Project H.O.M.E.

Joshua Thiboldeaux
Arizona State University
PAF 112: Identity, Service, and American Democracy
Dr. Jonathan GS Koppell, Ph.D
December 9, 2020
Introduction

Project HOME (Housing, Opportunities for Employment, Medical Care, and Education) is a non-

profit organization that was founded to serve the homeless community of Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania. The organization was founded by Sister Mary Scullion, a nun in order of the

Sisters of Mercy, and Joan Dawson McConnon, a tax accountant, in 1989. Scullion and

McConnon opened a temporary men’s shelter in a vacant recreation center that was donated

by the city of Philadelphia. Since then, Project HOME has grown into one of the leading

homeless advocacy organization in the nation. They provide services such as street outreach,

housing, employment initiatives, and education resources. The vision and work of Project Home

are based on the creed that, “none of us are home until all of us are home” (projecthome.org).

In this paper, I will explore the identity, social capital, engagement, and mobilization of this

organization.

Identity

The founders of Project HOME, Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson McConnon, were two

committed Catholics who saw acts of service as a vital part of their faith. Sister Mary Scullion

belonged to Sisters of Mercy, an order of nuns that strives to, “See Jesus in the most

marginalized people and take a vow of service to perform works of Mercy that alleviate

suffering” (sistersofmercy.org). Joan Dawson McConnon, a tax accountant, had an affinity for

Saint Francis of Assisi and followed his directive to “preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.”

Both saw a need to assist the homeless population in the city of Philadelphia. They set up a 50

bed overnight shelter for those who were unable to find a bed in city’s shelters. From there,
Project HOME collaborated with a network of Catholic organizations that shared their mission

of serving the homeless population of Philadelphia. Today, Project HOME has 22 locations

across Philadelphia and has developed 932 units of affordable and supportive housing for

formerly homeless Philadelphians.

Social Capital

Project HOME builds its social capital in a variety of ways. They provide volunteer opportunities

for individuals, groups, and corporations. Volunteering allows people to get to know one

another and see the humanity of the other. They engage with business in Philadelphia to create

sponsor events and initiate employee giving campaigns. Some of the corporations that partner

with Project home are Coca-Cola, Comcast, and Bank of America. Project HOME also works with

local sports teams and athletes to spread the word of the work they do and issue of

homelessness in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. In an effort to provide a service to

the community in which they reside, Project HOME opened a coffee shop and bakery called The

Café. The Café is staffed by formerly homeless individuals.

Civic, Political and Social Engagement

Project HOME strives to give the homeless a voice in the political process. They encourage the

residents in their programs to engage with the political leaders of Philadelphia. This helps

inform local politicians of the issues surrounding homelessness. Issues that include addiction,

mental illness, and poverty. They remind the residents that they have the same rights as

everyone else and to exercise the power afforded to them as citizens of this country. The Vote

for Home Coalition send out volunteers to help register homeless and low-income voters. This
initiative has registered more than 18,000 voters since its inception in 1999. In 1998, the city of

Philadelphia passed a law called the Sidewalk Behavior Ordinance that was intended to mitigate

aggressive panhandling. Project HOME used its influence to negotiate a version of the

ordinance that does not criminalize the homeless. Police are now required to contact a trained

outreach worker before approaching a homeless individual.

Mobilization

Project Home has developed an Outreach Coordination Center (OCC). Members of the OCC go

out into the community and develop relationships with the homeless. Their goal is to connect

these individuals with the assistance they need to break to cycle of homelessness in which they

find themselves. Additional teams are dispatched in the summer and winter during weather

emergencies. Project HOME holds an annual “Homeless Memorial Day” on the steps of city hall.

It is a candlelight vigil that honors the homeless who have died that year and calls for the end of

homelessness. The vigil is attended by the homeless, politicians, and community members.

American Democracy

Project HOME is an organization that not only advocates for the homeless but encourages and

empowers the homeless to advocate for themselves. Local, state, and federal government have

ignored the plight of homeless and poverty. It is far too easy to ignore the of those who lack

social status and influence. One thing a politician cannot ignore is a mass of people who control

their political future. Part of Project HOME’s mission is to organize the poor and homeless to

vote in candidates that will listen. They also attend city council meetings when legislation is on
the docket that will affect low-income and homeless individuals. They do not allow their

socioeconomic status silence their voice.

Conclusion

Project HOME started when a nun and tax account took seriously Christ’ command to care for

the poor. They saw the homeless not as a nuisance, but as brothers and sisters in Christ. This

organization has restored the dignity of thousand of people since it was founded in 1989.

Project HOME does not focus solely on providing material goods to the homeless, but also on

tearing down the structural inequalities that are the underlying cause of homelessness. Their

work has been duplicated around the county and is making a real difference in the struggle

against homelessness and generational poverty.

Works Cited

Lin, J. (2011, June 08). In Philly, an accord on aggressive sidewalk behavior. Retrieved December
06, 2020, from
https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/breaking/20110607_In_Philly__an_accord_on_aggressi
ve_sidewalk_behavior.html

Litzinger-Drayton, L. (n.d.). Building Homes and Hope. Retrieved December 05, 2020, from
https://www.lebow.drexel.edu/news/community/building-homes-and-hope

Project HOME. (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2020, from https://projecthome.org/

Sisters of Mercy Mission & Values. (n.d.). Retrieved December 07, 2020, from
https://www.sistersofmercy.org/about-us/mission-values/

Up and Off the Streets. (2003, June 09). Retrieved December 06, 2020, from
https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/09/opinion/up-and-off-the-streets.html