On August 26, 2024, at the Red Bank Train Station, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, in collaboration with NJ TRANSIT, Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ), and Volunteers of America Delaware Valley (VOADV), launched the Chance for Change program. This initiative offers a new, secure way for NJ TRANSIT customers to make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders.

One compelling example is Lasheema Edwards, who, while pursuing her Ph.D. in psychology at Grand Canyon University, ended up homeless in Penn Station due to untreated mental illness. Her story underscores the diverse and often complex challenges faced by individuals in need.

To support homeless assistance programs, NJ TRANSIT has implemented QR codes at its facilities, offering commuters an easy way to donate. This initiative aims to shift contributions away from panhandlers and towards established social service organizations specializing in outreach, healthcare, and housing. As NJ Transit Police Department Chief Christopher Trujillo noted, giving directly to individuals can sometimes unintentionally support harmful behaviors. The Chance for Change program ensures that donations go to trusted partners who are making a real difference.

The Chance for Change platform is available online and through QR codes displayed at NJ TRANSIT facilities, on digital screens, social media, and the NJ TRANSIT mobile app. This program guarantees that every donation directly benefits those in need, providing access to food, mental health services, and pathways to stable housing.

With Chance for Change, your generosity becomes a lifeline for many, making a lasting impact on our community. To learn more about this program and how it supports those in need, click here to read the full press release.

To contribute to the Chance for Change program, please click here to make a donation.

By supporting the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation with your donation, you not only contribute to ending hunger, poverty, and homelessness but also stand a chance to win an unforgettable experience. The contest closes on July 9th!

• Round trip travel to Boston, MA, and 2-night hotel accommodations for two (2) on Cape Cod
• Photo opportunity with Bon Jovi
• Two (2) passes to the exclusive Audacy Beach House event on Cape Cod to see Bon Jovi perform on Friday, July 19, 2024
• Bon Jovi-signed guitar
• Gift card for car rental or car service

Your donation supports our mission to create positive change in communities across the country. Join us in making a difference today!

Click here to enter contest.

Exciting news! Our limited edition Summer Collection is here, featuring Retro Tanks and T-Shirts! Available now on our website, each purchase supports the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, dedicated to breaking the cycle of hunger, poverty, and homelessness since 2006.

“No one person can do this work alone. The mission of ending homelessness and ensuring that everyone has a safe place to live is not just the work of the government, nor is it the sole responsibility of the private sector. It takes everyone—what I like to call the Power of We.” – Jon Bon Jovi

By developing partnerships, creating innovative programs, and providing essential grant funding, the Foundation helps communities thrive. All proceeds from this collection go directly to the JBJ Soul Foundation, helping to fund their vital initiatives.

Check out our new styles at bit.ly/SFRetroMerch and wear your shirt with pride as we join together in the fight against hunger, poverty, and homelessness.

Thank you for your support!

PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 2, 2024 – Project HOME today announced that it raised a total of $7.6 million at its 35^th anniversary gala held at the Marriott Downtown Philadelphia on May 1, 2024. Attendees and committed citizens donated $4.4 million in the lead up to the evening and $3.2 million during the event itself. For the event, more than 1,400 civic, business, and philanthropic leaders gathered to celebrate 35 years of Project HOME and the organization’s dynamic co-founders, Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson McConnon.

“What an incredible evening of community, love, and generosity,” said Project HOME Co-Founder and Executive Director Sister Mary Scullion. “When Joan and I first imagined Project HOME 35 years ago, we could hardly have imagined the growth and impact we’ve been able to achieve as part of this tremendous organization. It’s taken a lot of hard work and determination, and we’re grateful to the entire Project HOME community for their support and shared belief that none of us are home until all of us are home.”

The event celebrated the enduring legacy and friendship of McConnon and Scullion, who are transitioning out of their day-to-day leadership roles with Project HOME but will remain connected to the organization. It honored Project HOME’s 35 years of impact with a dedicated focus on the organization’s next chapter and its continuing work to end and prevent chronic street homelessness in Philadelphia. Highlights of the event included:

• A special video message from President Joe Biden honoring the organization and its impact
• A special video message from actress Lily Tomlin, a long-time friend and advocate of Project HOME
• Opening remarks from Governor Josh Shapiro
• A special in-room fundraising effort that raised $3.2 million
• A surprise on-the-spot donation of $1 million by Phillies Charities, Inc., presented by the Phillie Phanatic
• A heartfelt tribute from Leigh and John Middleton before presenting Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson McConnon with the “Golden Heart” award.
• Special participation from Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi who both served as co-chairs of the event. Jon Bon Jovi led the “Impact in an Instant” in-room fundraising initiative, and shared special remarks during the evening

“We were thrilled to co-chair this wonderful event that honored the incomparable leadership of Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson McConnon,” said Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi, JBJ Soul Foundation. “We consider them mentors, friends, and inspirations. May their work continue until homelessness is a thing in the past.”

During the “Impact in an Instant” initiative, attendees raised $2.2 million before a surprise $1 million donation was presented by the Phillie Phanatic on behalf of Phillies Charities, Inc., the charitable arm of the Philadelphia Phillies.

“For 35 years Project HOME, led by the heroic efforts of Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson McConnon, has tackled the root causes of homelessness,” said Phillies Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer John Middleton. “We are incredibly proud to provide this significant donation to Project HOME in support of their mission to end homelessness for good.”

John Middleton and his wife, Leigh, a Project HOME board member, presented Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson McConnon with the “Golden Heart” award. The two co-founders shared their perspectives and vision for the future of Project HOME to conclude the ceremony.

“Ending chronic street homelessness will improve the quality of life of every person who calls Philadelphia home,” Dawson McConnon said. “Let’s get this done, together!”