Category Archives: Philadelphia

August 8 2023

JBJ Soul Foundation celebrates the Grand Opening of Inn of Amazing Mercy

Project HOME Achieves 1,000 Units of Supportive Housing in Philadelphia with Grand Opening of Inn of Amazing Mercy in Kensington on Thursday, Aug. 3

Newest residence at 115 E. Huntingdon Street amplifies Project HOME’s focus on the opioid epidemic as a major root cause of homelessness in Philadelphia and beyond

PHILADELPHIA, PA – August 3, 2023 – Project HOME today announced the grand opening of Inn of Amazing Mercy, the organization’s 20^thsupportive, affordable housing residence. Located at 115 E. Huntington Street, Inn of Amazing Mercy is Project HOME’s second recovery residence in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, adding to its housing, services, and resources focused on treatment and support for individuals experiencing homelessness and battling substance use disorder. With the opening of Inn of Amazing Mercy, Project HOME has now exceeded the creation of 1,000 units of affordable housing across Philadelphia.

“We’ve long recognized that in order to end and prevent homelessness in Philadelphia, we must directly address the root causes of this crisis, which for many unsheltered individuals includes substance use disorder,” said Sister Mary Scullion, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Project HOME. “The opening of Inn of Amazing Mercy in the heart of Kensington advances our work providing housing, healing, and hope on the front lines of the opioid epidemic. The fact that this residence marks our goal of building 1,000 units of permanent, supportive housing makes it especially meaningful, and we’re grateful to Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald and so many other visionaries for their generosity and commitment.”

Elevating a National Model for Street Medicine

The opening of Inn of Amazing Mercy enhances Project HOME’s nationally recognized Epstein Street Medicine Program by serving as a hub for the program’s groundbreaking work. With a deep understanding of the population experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia, three nurse practitioners and one registered nurse travel with Project HOME’s Street Outreach Team across the city, with a current focus on individuals living unsheltered in Kensington. Meeting and treating individuals where they are, the team delivers holistic, person-centered, and trauma-informed care through a harm-reduction lens, aiming to improve medical outcomes and enhance access to healthcare and support services. The program has emerged as a national model for combatting substance use disorder, among other health conditions, for those experiencing homelessness.

The opening of Inn of Amazing Mercy also follows the recent launch of the Estadt-Lubert Collaborative for Housing and Recovery, a groundbreaking partnership between Project HOME, Jefferson Health, Penn Medicine, and Temple Health that is changing the way the opioid epidemic is addressed for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Collaborative advances a comprehensive “healing ecosystem” comprised of integrated healthcare, employment and social wellness services, and permanent supportive housing, including at Inn of Amazing Mercy. The opening of the residence brings the Collaborative one step closer to achieving its goal of transforming the care of those who are unsheltered and suffering from substance use disorder.

About Inn of Amazing Mercy

Inn of Amazing Mercy contains 62 units of affordable housing — 50 units of long-term supportive housing and short-term housing and supplementary services for up to 12 persons with substance use disorder in 4 efficiency units and 8 respite beds. Residents are provided medication-assisted treatment through Project HOME’s Healthcare Services team, in addition to case management and peer support. Residents are also connected to employment and education services, including assistance with certifications, computer training, on-the-job coaching, skill development, and support needed for ongoing housing stability.

“When society encounters challenges, it takes the courage of the public and private sectors to become catalysts for change, and the team at Project HOME have proven to be that change agent in Philadelphia,” said Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald, philanthropists and lead donors of the new Inn of Amazing Mercy. “We are thrilled to join the other tremendous families that have supported Project HOME through the years in the Philadelphia area and feel fortunate to be specifically supporting this powerful project located in Kensington, which has the unfortunate distinction of being the epicenter of the opioid epidemic in the United States. With the Kensington section of the city continuing to draw national attention around this crisis, Inn of Amazing Mercy could be among the most critical seeds ever planted. The time has come for greater private involvement and the public sector at the State and Federal level, and we hope today’s grand opening helps to encourage this. We are humbled to be a small participant in the noble work the members of Project HOME perform every day.

”Inn of Amazing Mercy is the ninth project of MPOWER, a unique partnership model drawing on a powerful network of people and ideas that multiplies Project HOME’s impact in five key areas: investments, relationships, resources, advocacy, and evidence. The $27 million residence has been made possible in part by $14 million in private funding, contributed by over 20 donors. This includes leadership gifts made by Leigh and John Middleton and Pam Estadt and Ira Lubert, along with a portion of a $6.8 million gift recently made by the William Penn Foundation and capital gifts made by the Hess Foundation, the Maguire family, and the JBJ Soul Foundation.

“We’re thrilled and so proud to once again lend our support and vision to Project HOME’s ongoing mission with Inn of Amazing Mercy,” said Jon Bon Jovi, chairman of JBJ Soul Foundation. “On behalf of the entire JBJ Soul Foundation organization, I’d like to congratulate Project HOME on achieving its goal of 1,000 units of housing and continued efforts to tackle the root causes of homelessness and poverty.”

“With the opening of Inn of Amazing Mercy and our 1,000^th unit of affordable housing, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made as an organization and the continued generosity of our growing community of MPOWER partners,” said Annette Jeffrey, Senior Vice President of Development and Communications at Project HOME. “When we talk about MPOWER, we talk about ‘The Power of We,’ and Inn of Amazing Mercy is yet another product of the supercharged support engine MPOWER has become through the collective partnership of so many like Ward and Kathy Fitzgerald who believe in a better tomorrow for Philadelphia.”

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April 24 2019

Project HOME Raises More Than $10 Million at 30th Anniversary Gala

Donations, including landmark gift from Lynne and Harold Honickman, will support work to end and prevent homelessness in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 17, 2019)—Project HOME announced today that it raised a total of $10 million at its 30th Anniversary Gala at the Marriott Downtown Philadelphia on April 16, 2019. Attendees and committed citizens donated $3.5 million leading up to the gala. During the event, more than 1,400 civic and business leaders, philanthropists, and young adults had the opportunity to make additional gifts to Project HOME in multiples of 30, with Jon Bon Jovi providing a $300,000 gift from the JBJ Soul Foundation. Lynne and Harold Honickman, who were honored with a lifetime achievement award during the gala, committed an additional $6 million to help Project HOME reach the $10 million mark.

“When Project HOME began 30 years ago, we couldn’t have imagined the impact it would have thanks to the support of so many generous and visionary individuals,” said Sister Mary Scullion, Project HOME co-founder and Executive Director. “We have ambitious plans for the funds we raised that will address the needs and challenges of individuals and families struggling with homelessness, poverty, mental health issues, and substance use disorder. We’re grateful to the entire Project HOME community for their commitment and wish to extend a special thank you to Lynne and Harold Honickman for their ongoing leadership and support.”

During the gala, Sister Mary and Joan Dawson McConnon laid out a five-year plan focused on three core areas – increasing and preserving housing, expanding education and workforce development programs, and expanding outreach for chronically street homeless individuals. The event also included a presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Lynne and Harold Honickman honoring their legacy of support for Project HOME, which includes the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs in North Philadelphia. The gala was chaired by Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman with honorary Co-Chairs Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi.

“To be surrounded at the gala by so many people in a shared community with a shared vision was electrifying,” said Lynne Honickman. “We’re proud to support Project HOME’s efforts to provide housing, education and other necessities for a meaningful life and believe deeply in Sister Mary and Project HOME’s credo – ‘None of us are home until all of us are home.’”

“One of the most important lessons of the last three decades is that no one person can do this alone,’ said Jon Bon Jovi. “The mission of ending homelessness and ensuring that everyone has a place to live…it takes everyone and what I like to call, “The Power of We’.”

Support for the Project HOME 30th Anniversary Gala and the organization’s ongoing work was provided by Bank of America, Susan and George Connell, Sheila and John Connors, Pam Estadt and Ira Lubert, Deborah M. Fretz, Janet and John Haas, Shirley and Richard Hahn, Joan and Daniel Hilferty, Lynne and Harold Honickman, Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman, Independence Foundation, Liz and Matthew Kamens, Caroline and Sidney Kimmel, Maguire Foundation, Leigh and John Middleton, Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer and Joseph Neubauer, Linda Richardson and Steven Korman, Aileen and Brian Roberts, A. Morris Williams, Jr., and so many other generous people and organizations.

About MPOWER
MPOWER is a Project HOME Community Investment Partnership drawing on a powerful network of people and ideas that multiplies Project HOME’s impact in five key areas: investments, relationships, resources, advocacy, and evidence. In just five years, the partnership’s impact multiplier model has leveraged $25 million into $250 million which has helped to provide services to more than 15,000 people, including ending chronic street homelessness for more than 1,000 people.

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November 17 2012

Watch, share, and donate in support of Hurricane Sandy Relief

Jon Bon Jovi – Saturday Night (Live 11/9/12)

Jon Bon Jovi – Old Habits Die Hard (Live 11/9/12) – Brand New Song

Jon Bon Jovi – Not Running Anymore (Live 11/9/12) – Brand New Song

Jon Bon Jovi – Livin’ on a Prayer (Live 11/9/12)

Jon Bon Jovi – Who Says You Can’t Go Home (Live 11/9/12)

Jon Bon Jovi – Superman Tonight (Live 11/9/12)

Jon Bon Jovi – Here Comes the Sun (Live 11/9/12)

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November 13 2012

PROJECT H.O.M.E. ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING OF JBJ SOUL HOMES, CITY’S NEWEST BUILDING FOR PEOPLE IN NEED

“The single most effective way to end homelessness is affordable housing,” said Sister Mary, co-founder of Project H.O.M.E. “Over time, this project will give hundreds of people a decent home with supportive services that will allow them to flourish.”

JBJ Soul Homes’ residents will have access to all Project H.O.M.E. services including basic medical care and fitness classes through its Health Initiative Program, employment training through its Employment Services Department, education access through its Honickman Learning Center and computer use through its Comcast Technology Labs.

The building, slated to open in November 2013, receives both private and public funding. The lead private funding comes from the JBJ Soul Foundation and the Middleton Partnership. The lead public funding comes from US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the City of Philadelphia. People for People, Inc. will manage the retail space and Project H.O.M.E. will manage the residences.

The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, with its lead gift for the development of this project, provides leadership in affordable housing in Philadelphia and in its Soul Home in Newark, NJ. Mimi Box, JBJ Soul Foundation Executive Director said, “We are committed to promoting innovation and long-lasting solutions to rebuilding pride in one’s self and one’s community, one soul at a time.”

JBJ Soul Homes is the second project of the Middleton Partnership. The Middleton Partnership is funded by a transformational leadership gift from Leigh and John Middleton and supports Project H.O.M.E.’s strategy to end chronic street homelessness in Philadelphia. The Middleton Partnership leverages the support of both public and private funders.

About Project H.O.M.E

Since 1989, Project H.O.M.E. has helped more than 8,000 people break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by providing a continuum of care that includes street outreach, supportive housing and comprehensive services that focus on health care, education and employment. The organization also works to prevent homelessness and poverty through comprehensive neighborhood revitalization in North Philadelphia. These efforts include the renovation of vacant or deteriorated houses that are then sold to first-time homebuyers; economic reinvestment along the Ridge Avenue Corridor; adult and youth education and enrichment programs at the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs; and community-based health care services. To learn more, visit www.projecthome.org.

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June 7 2012

JBJSF Celebrates Groundbreaking of a New Building in Philadelphia

The newly renovated three-story Merrick Hall will encompass 15,000 square feet of residential space that will double the number of mothers and babies served, including service to pregnant teens. The building will include both transitional and permanent housing in a supportive living environment for the families.

Craig Spencer, Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, spoke of the foundation’s relationship with the agency and announced its $100,000 commitment, specifically to support the permanent housing portion of the project. The Honorable Curtis Jones, Jr., City Councilman for the 4th District in Philadelphia, also attended the ceremony and extended greetings and congratulations.

In addition to the groundbreaking, the agency announced its new name, Northern Children’s Services. “Over the years, our organization has evolved greatly from a refuge and respite for children that was founded in 1853, to the comprehensive social service agency it is today,” says Tracey Lavallias, President and CEO, Northern Children’s Services. “Our name change to Northern Children’s Services reflects our core mission and response to the emerging needs of the children we serve and allows us to more effectively work throughout the region.”

Today, Northern Children’s Services is the oldest residential facility in Philadelphia and continues to assist children and families to achieve their maximum psychological, social and economic potential, while fully respecting the dignity and worth of each individual and the integrity of the family. “Although our name and logo have changed, our commitment to keeping children safe, strengthening families, and providing high quality services in the most compassionate, professional and cost effective environment of excellence remains the same,” says Lavallias.

For more information on the Merrick renovation, capital campaign or Northern Children’s Services, please visit their website.

To view photos from this event, please visit our Photo Gallery