[PRESS RELEASE] Project HOME and Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation Dedicate New Affordable Housing Site “Francis House of Peace” in Honor of Pope Francis
Funders Leigh and John Middleton, Raynier Institute and Foundation, Maguire Foundation and Janet and John Haas Joined City Officials to Dedicate Building for Formerly Homeless and Low-Income Individuals in Chinatown
Project HOME announced final plans for its newest affordable housing development in Philadelphia, located in Chinatown at 810 Arch Street when it officially unveiled the name of the site – “Francis House of Peace.” The name honors Pope Francis and his commitment to improve conditions for those who live in poverty.
The dedication ceremony with the partners, lead donors and residents took place on Monday, September 21, 2015. Project HOME also announced plans for its completion in early November 2015.
Francis House of Peace was developed in partnership with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation. The project will be a nine-story mixed-use development with retail space and 94 apartment units for formerly homeless and low-income men and women, including young adults at risk of becoming homeless.
The new residence development leverages both private and public funding. The lead private funding comes from the Raynier Institute and Foundation, Leigh and John Middleton and the Maguire Foundation. The lead public funding comes from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, the Philadelphia Housing Authority and FHLBank Atlanta. Lead investors include Capital One, National Association and the National Equity Fund.
“Francis House of Peace is a sign of hope for our entire community,” said S. Mary Scullion, “It demonstrates that we are finding even more ways to take concrete steps toward truly preventing and ending homelessness in Philadelphia, and it shows what is possible when people come together with shared vision and commitment.”
Francis House of Peace residents will have access to all Project HOME services, including basic medical care and fitness classes through its Health Initiative Program, employment training through its Employment Services Department, and educational and technological opportunities through its Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs.
This residence is the fourth project of the Middleton Partnership, responsible also for the development of James Widener Ray Homes, Jon Bon Jovi Soul Homes, and the Stephen Klein Wellness Center, as well as future projects. The Middleton Partnership is a transformational leadership gift from Leigh and John Middleton that supports Project HOME’s strategic plan to end and prevent chronic street homelessness in Philadelphia by leveraging the support of both public and private funders.
