New homes target a unique homeless population in Philly

 A Philadelphia affordable housing group is celebrating another milestone this week.

Project Home will open 55 apartment units in Fairmount for the poor and formerly homeless with funding from rock singer Jon Bon Jovi and others.   The group’s leader, Sister Mary Scullion, said this housing is special at a time when the general homeless population is decreasing. 

“What’s alarming is that we are seeing an increasing number of youth that are experiencing homelessness,” she said. “So [Jon Bon Jovi] Soul homes are our first initiative to provide permanent supportive housing for youth that are homeless or are aging out of foster care with an emphasis on education and employment.”

Homelessness can be overcome if people work together to help those who are suffering from the problem, Scullion said. 

“We really do believe that we can end and prevent homelessness in our city,” she said. “Homelessness is a relatively new phenomenon that occurred and blossomed in the ’80s when affordable housing became less and less affordable. We look forward to the day when homelessness will be a distant memory.” 

As Project Home celebrates 25 years of providing for those who need assistance, it has plans for 400 more homes on the drawing board.