Property Secured for Planned Residence at 1315 N. 8th St.

We are pleased to announce that, after a long journey, Project HOME purchased the property at 1315 N. 8th Street for two planned residences for formerly homeless individuals. It was a complicated process that was unforeseen, and a positive outcome did not often seem possible. Over nearly 30 years, Project HOME has witnessed the evidence of what the “Power of We” can accomplish and, once again, we are overwhelmed at what so many have made possible.

The residences will be built in two phases; the first will encompass 30 units of LGBTQ-friendly housing for young adults who have aged out of foster care and/or are homeless, and the second phase will provide 40 units of affordable housing for adults who have experienced homelessness. The young adult residence will be the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, and among the first in the nation.

We are deeply grateful to Project HOME trustee, Lori Lasher, for securing the expert assistance of Reed Smith counsel.  We cannot begin to adequately express our gratitude for all that these lawyers, particularly Claudia Springer, Anne Ryan, and Brian Schenker did to make this happen. They went above and beyond to shepherd us through this process and generously worked long hours to bring about this victory.

There were many individuals—residents, contributors, and civic leaders—who advocated for this outcome. It is evidence of a strong community of Philadelphians who believe that homelessness is solvable in our lifetimes. Though Philadelphia is the poorest of all the major cities, we have the greatest chance to be the first major city to end and prevent homelessness. This victory brings us one step closer to achieving that goal.

Previous coverage of the project can be found here.