James' Story

James found Project HOME when hospitalized for a heart attack while he was experiencing chronic street homelessness. Our Outreach staff helped James find a home at our Hope Havens Residence. After making progress, he moved to St. Elizabeth’s Recovery Residence and was an active community member. Last June – in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic – James and more than 40 of his new neighbors moved into Project HOME’s newest permanent, supportive, affordable residence, the Maguire Residence in Kensington.

James took full advantage of all the opportunities Project HOME provides and now proudly works at our Hub of Hope homeless engagement center. He enjoys working with newcomers and giving the same guidance he has received. He is grateful for the job training he received at our Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs and loves his job. He uses our Stephen Klein Wellness Center for all his medical needs and checkups for his heart.

James is just one story – rooted in love, dignity, and self-advocacy – in a community of more than 15,000. There is no singular face of homelessness in Philadelphia. Homelessness is a young adult who has aged out of the foster system. Homelessness is a senior citizen, no longer able to afford housing on a fixed income. Homelessness is a loved one who struggles with addiction and desperately needs a community dedicated to recovery.

The community’s generosity creates pathways to permanent, supportive, affordable housing; lifechanging employment training and opportunities; high-quality medical care; and transformative educational programs.