[RELEASE] Project HOME Announces Naming 1515 Fairmount the ‘Christopher J. Seward Residence’ in Special Celebration
Project HOME Names the Organization’s Most Iconic and Historic Building in Honor of Beloved Member of Project HOME Family and Hosts Special Community Event and BBQ on Oct. 9, 2024
Project HOME today announced its longtime location at 1515 Fairmount Avenue, will officially be named the Christopher J. Seward Residence. The true epicenter of Project HOME, this location serves as both the organization’s main office and headquarters, while also providing permanent, supportive housing residence for adults. It is the location that is inextricably linked with the beginning of the Project HOME story.
To commemorate the new name, the organization will host an event celebrating the new name and renovations to the building’s lobby and Outreach Offices on October 9, 2024, at 11 a.m., bringing together the community to honor this special location’s history and impact, and the full meaning behind the renaming! The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks, followed by a BBQ for attendees, residents, and staff. The new name is in recognition of longtime Project HOME supporters and partners, Marie and Jim Seward, and the memory of their son, Christopher, who passed away in 1999.
“I cannot think of a location that is more iconic in the Project HOME community than the building at 1515 Fairmount,” said Donna Bullock, President and CEO of Project HOME. “It is our home base filled with countless stories of heart and hope, and the place from which 24/7 street outreach dispatches and where our community gathers for major events. We’re so grateful to Marie and Jim Seward for their longtime support of Project HOME, and we’re honored to name the Christopher J. Seward Residence after their beloved son.”
About the October 9th Celebration
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 11 a.m., the renaming celebration will begin! With the street and sidewalks in front of 1515 Fairmount blocked off from traffic, a block party and dedication will ensue! Highlights of the event will include:
• Ribbon-cutting ceremony
• Remarks from Donna Bullock, Project HOME President and CEO
• Remarks from Sister Mary Scullion, Project HOME Co-founder
• BBQ for attendees, residents, and staff
About the Christopher J. Seward Residence
In the 1990s, Project HOME first won the right to provide housing at 1515 Fairmount Avenue after four years of litigation in a court decision that impacted fair housing throughout the country. Since then, it has become a strategic outpost for Project HOME, housing multiple programs including 24/7 street Outreach for the city of Philadelphia, 48 homes for individuals who experienced homelessness, Project HOME social enterprise businesses, and leadership offices. Additionally, the “back space” has served as a common space and gathering place for a wide range of activities and initiatives.
After 30 years, the location is receiving an official name for the first time. In recognition of generous Project HOME partners Marie and Jim Seward, 1515 Fairmount Avenue will now be called Christopher J. Seward Residence. Marie and Jim and their family have been connected to Project HOME for many years as Outreach volunteers supporting showers, meals, and connection to services for individuals experiencing homelessness, and as generous donors, becoming MPOWER partners in 2019.
In memory of their son, Christopher, whom they lost in 1999, Christopher J. Seward Residence will continue to have its doors open to those who are looking for a safe place to call home. As a sign reads in the entrance vestibule, “Chris was touched by the plight of people experiencing homelessness. To all who knew him, humanity and care for others was part of who he was and how he lived. In his memory and spirit, Chris’ family bears witness to his desire to help those who are homeless or struggling by partnering with Project HOME to break the cycle of homelessness.”
