Posted April 9, 2021

Archbishop Nelson Perez got an in-depth look at Project HOME’s expansive ministry to Philadelphia’s homeless persons March 29. For several hours he toured seven facilities in the city led by Mercy Sister Mary Scullion, executive director and cofounder of the ministry in 1989 (along with Joan Dawson McConnon, currently associate executive director and CFO). Learn more about the work in transitional housing and care with dignity by Project HOME, here. (Photos by Alyssa McFadden)

  • Sister Mary Scullion and Archbishop Perez prepare to visit Francis House of Peace, a Project HOME residence in Philadelphia’s Chinatown section at 810 Arch Street.

  • Sister Mary proudly greets the archbishop at Project HOME’s longtime Philadelphia headquarters at 1515 Fairmount Avenue in North Philadelphia.

  • Close by the headquarters is the JBJ Soul Homes at 1415 Fairmount Avenue, which Archbishop Perez and Sister Mary visited. The residence was built by Project HOME under the leadership of Jon Bon Jovi.

  • Residents of JBJ Soul Homes chat with Archbishop Perez.

  • The tour included Connelly House at 1212 Ludlow Street, a Project HOME residential facility adjacent to St. John the Evangelist Church in center city Philadelphia.

  • Sister Mary describes typical activities in the recreation room at Connelly House.

  • The archbishop greets a staff worker at Francis House of Peace.

  • At Francis House of Peace, the prayer grotto/art installation that was a prominent part of the 2015 World Meeting of Families and visit of Pope Francis in Philadelphia remains displayed with pride.

  • Sister Mary shows the archbishop artifacts and mementos associated with the Pope Francis’ visit to the prayer grotto on his final day in Philadelphia, Sept. 27, 2015, at Francis House of Peace.

  • Archbishop Perez reviews computers and instruments for children’s use at Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs at 1936 North Judson Street in Philadelphia, a Project HOME recreational facility for kids.

  • A worker at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center YMCA in Philadelphia explains how physical fitness in important for transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing and a full life.

  • Archbishop Perez discusses the offerings of HomeSpun Resale Boutique at 1523 Fairmount Avenue with the shop’s manager.

  • A staff member discusses her work at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center in Philadelphia with Archbishop Perez and Sister Mary.

  • Stained glass windows including the faces of Philadelphia residents served by Project HOME make for a bright and thought-provoking display of light and color at JBJ Soul Homes.

  • Staff at Connelly House proudly share a moment with Sister Mary and Archbishop Perez.