Putting One Foot In Front Of The Other

Allen Turner, an alumnus of Christopher J. Seward and now our Social Enterprises coordinator, delivered remarks at the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the residence's renaming. He opened with a short poem.

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Dear Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Father, I come for the strength to be your seed.  

All too often I return evil for evil to celebrate on these feet, I must confess to being a judge, regardless of if I was aware of the platform or held intentionally a grudge.  

I asked father that if my can be tried, I'd be denied on the journey. I will take up my cross and stand against whatever saves the church. Be with me, Father, let me not be upon the enemy's execution. Empty of deceit. Fill me with your resolution.  

My Drive is to end as a dweller in your house. Lay hands upon my actions so that my words will reflect what I project from my mouth. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me of my sin, no more return.  

Father, I'm praying for my strength. I need them. Father, moral support in my walk with a clean heart guide us away from temptations that We rightfully have no thoughts ask for you to rebuke this lesson of flesh lesser that eyes and the pride of life, replace it with kinship, appreciation and endurance through these trials and structures. Father, I trust that you are already working. I ask because I am already hurting you.

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Good morning, everyone. My name is Allen Turner. It’s great to be here today not only as a Project HOME employee, but also as an alumnus, as we celebrate the renaming of our beloved building.

I’m known among my colleagues and loved ones as someone who adores poetry. And poetry is what first introduced me to Project HOME.

More than 10 years ago, I was invited to speak at the annual Homeless Persons Memorial Day event. It was around that time when I was also facing homelessness.

In 2013, Project HOME helped rescue me from the Germantown YMCA and I received housing at our 1523 location right next door.

There was a time when my living room was the parkway, and now it's got four walls. It cost me a couple of dollars, but it feels good.

Shortly after becoming a resident, I was introduced to employment services, and tried a couple of different things, before landing at Project HOMEbooks, a Project HOME Social Enterprise business. It was a pilot program that really took off. Over five years later and we’ve sold more than 3,000 books.

Recently, I was promoted to the social enterprise coordinator, so I have a hand in all three aspects of our building, Project HOMEmade and, of course, Project HOMEbooks.

In my 42 years of life, this is the longest job I’ve ever had and I’m thankful for these opportunities to grow here at Project HOME.

I still struggle trying to define the word family, but having a handful of friends here to help me on this journey is very nice.  

One thing I love about this community is their open-door policy. They don’t discriminate and they welcome all walks of life.  

I'm just happy that so many people, like the Sewards, see the importance in supporting our mission to end homelessness in Philly. Their generosity helps make all of this possible.

As an alumni, employee and member of this community, I look forward to giving back what Project HOME gave to me. And that’s hope, opportunity, and knowing there’s always tomorrow. So just put one foot in front of the other.