Project H.O.M.E.

1515 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA  19130

215.232.7272

www.projecthome.net 

Project H.O.M.E. is a large non-profit agency created in 1989 that is dedicated to all aspects of fighting homelessness – from outreach, to job training and education, to housing, healthcare, as well as social and political advocacy. “The mission of the Project H.O.M.E. community is to empower persons to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, to address structural causes of poverty, and to enable all of us to attain our fullest potential as individuals and as members of the broader society. [This is achieved] through the provision of a continuum of care comprised of street outreach; a range of supportive housing facilities; and comprehensive services including healthcare, education, and employment.” Additionally, Project H.O.M.E. addresses “the root causes of homelessness through neighborhood revitalization programs, including affordable housing development, employment training and opportunities, adult and youth education, health care, and environmental enhancement”. 

Volunteer opportunities at Project H.O.M.E. may be of particular interest to students in many areas of study: Human Services majors, Education majors, Political Science majors, Psychology majors, Sociology majors, Computer Science majors, Computer Engineers, Peace and Justice minors, and Women’s Studies minors, as well as pre-law students. 

Contact: Erin O'Brien, 215.232.7272  ext. 3015  eobrien@projecthome.net 

Volunteer Opportunities

Due to Project H.O.M.E.’s numerous programs and foci there are many volunteer opportunities available. The days, times, and requirements vary accordingly. 

After School Programs K-12

Although one-day volunteer opportunities exist, Project H.O.M.E. generally asks that volunteers commit to at least one semester of service for the after-school programs. 

Diamond Street

At 28^th and Diamond streets, kindergarten through sixth grade students work on homework, test preparation skills and even time management. The environment is slightly less structured than some of the other programs; volunteers work with the children one on one, assisting with each of the areas, and acting as role models. Groups of up to fifteen volunteers can be accommodated. 

When: Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m., and sometimes later. 

Summer Programs

Each of the after school programs continues through the summer, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers need to have personal transportation for special events, like the zoo or swimming. 

College Days

An emerging project at Project H.O.M.E. involves youth who are considering college. Local teenagers would like to talk with college students about the college experience and would even appreciate advice and help with the application process. Project H.O.M.E. is seeking college students for an afternoon or an evening in order to begin this relationship. Because the project is in development, times and days are flexible. 

Residential Programs for Formerly Homeless

Volunteers with the residential programs are asked to spend time with residents, bringing conversation, good listening skills, as well as activities. Making and bringing a meal, playing games, teaching poetry or painting, and leading aerobics or yoga are some examples of activities volunteers can share with residents. 

Kairos House

Located on Broad and Jefferson streets in North Philadelphia, Kairos House houses thirty-six clean and sober women and men with a primary chronic mental health diagnosis. ”The program is designed to provide affordable SROs [Single Room Occupancies] to formerly homeless adults who require regular supportive services and supervision. Caseworkers employ a level system to help residents develop skills and grow in four areas: self, social self, self at home, and self and community. Residents must be able and willing to perform daily living tasks with minimal supervision and live in a clean and sober residence. They provide 30% of total income towards room and board. Most residents participate in special activities (day program, stipend program, employment, education, etc.)”. Groups of up to six volunteers can be accommodated, unless a larger group is needed for special projects like gardening or cleaning. 

When: Times are very flexible and can be determined. 

St. Columba’s

“St. Columba’s is a Safe Haven in West Philadelphia for chronically homeless, mentally ill men. It targets ‘hard-to-reach’ homeless men, many of whom are older, physically frail and resistant to programs and services. It has a dual residence. Due to the population, turnover is high. Up to ten volunteers can be accommodated per visit, unless special projects require larger groups of volunteers. 

When: Times to volunteer are very flexible. Contact Project H.O.M.E. to determine what works best for both the volunteer(s) and the program. 

Women of Change

Women of Change is located in Center City. It “is a Safe Haven in Center City for chronically homeless, mentally ill women. Services are provided on a 24-hour basis, including case management, supportive services and on-site medical care”. Residential turnover is high. Groups of up to five volunteers can be accommodated. 

When: Evenings from 4 to 6 p.m. all week and weekend. 

Adult Learning Programs

Adult Tutoring

Project H.O.M.E. offers GED, literacy, and computer skills classes for residents during the day. Volunteers are welcome to work with the teachers and one on one with students, assisting in all areas of study. 

When: Flexible. 

Job Skills

Resume building and interviewing skills development are offered for Rowan Homes’ and St. Elizabeth’s residents. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of at least one semester in order to work one on one with residents. The director of the program will regularly supervise volunteers. 

When: Times and days are very flexible. 

Life Skills

Volunteers teach life skills: cooking, check book balancing, nutrition, exercise, etc. to semi-independent men and women residents of Project H.O.M.E. who are working towards independence. One to three volunteers are suggested per class; classes take place at 1515 Fairmount Ave. 

When: Flexible 

Outreach

Volunteers travel throughout Philadelphia to give information to homeless people about services available to them through Project H.O.M.E.  Volunteers work to build “trusting relationships that enable the Outreach Coordination Center workers to help place the homeless individuals in an appropriate setting where they may obtain needed opportunities to stabilize their lives”. Due to the nature of this service, individual volunteers are requested. 

When: Outreach teams conduct street outreach from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, with additional teams out during summer and winter weather emergencies. Schedule shifts are consistent and pre-determined. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of at least one semester. 

Advocacy

Project H.O.M.E. is devoted to advocacy for the homeless population. Volunteers can assist with lobbying, mailings, Homeless Memorial Day, workshops that Project H.O.M.E. offers, as well as monthly advocacy meetings.

Additionally, Project H.O.M.E. maintains an unobtrusive mailing list that allows individuals to remain active and aware of homeless issues, but who may not have a weekly availability. 

Internships are also available. 

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and some evenings

IMPORTANT: All volunteers must be screened by the Volunteer Coordinator.

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