Nov 27 2007
Jon Bon Jovi has announced that 13 homeless families are moving into brand new homes in time for the holidays (with 2 additional families moving in after the new year) thanks to a unique partnership that he has brokered between Project H.O.M.E., the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation and Saturn. It has been a little over one year, since Jon Bon Jovi was joined last October by President Bill Clinton, who attended the press conference where Bon Jovi announced an undertaking to unite the efforts of local organization, Project H.O.M.E. with his own Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, and Saturn to renovate 15 homes on what was then a deteriorated lot in North Philadelphia.
These 13 homes are part of Project H.O.M.E.'s Phase V Homeownership Program which focused on two blocks of historically significant, deteriorated row houses in North Central Philadelphia - the 1800 and 1900 blocks of North 23rd Street. By employing "green building strategies," Phase V renovated existing structures into energy efficient homes containing Energy Star-rated appliances. In addition, the plan included the reduction of block density and development of sideyards - all significant steps in promoting long-term health, safety, and affordability for owners.
All of the 13 families are first-time homeowners. They all agree that this is an unprecedented opportunity for their families - financially and personally. As one homeowner, Marian Rogers explains, "There's nothing like owning your own home - it is something you pass down to your kids."
These new homes, however, are not only life-changing for the 13 families moving into to them; they are forever changing the block and larger community in which they are located. As Helen Brown, Project H.O.M.E. Community Organizer and Block Captain for the 1800 Block of 23rd Street explains, "I have lived in this neighborhood for 45 years - never before have I seen so much neighborhood pride and just as important - there is so much hope."
The Phase V Homeownership Project is the continuation of Project H.O.M.E.'s goal to revitalize their community by reducing blight and treating vacant properties one block at a time. Project H.O.M.E. has led other initiatives in the area to empower inhabitants with a sense of responsibility and community with each other. These efforts include open-space/environmental enhancement, a community health service program, after-school and adult learning programs at the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs, and economic development along Ridge Avenue.