Spirit of Generosity Shared Purpose, Shared City: William Penn Foundation
In 2023, a transformative $6.1M grant from the William Penn Foundation helped Project HOME complete three critical housing initiatives–opening doors to stability, dignity, and a renewed sense of belonging for hundreds of people who had experienced homelessness.
“While we do not focus explicitly on addressing homelessness, it is clearly a piece of the puzzle that we need to solve to be a vital and just city and region,” shares Elliot Weinbaum, Chief Philanthropy Officer of the William Penn Foundation (WPF). “Like Project HOME, we believe that all members of our community, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or housing status should be treated with dignity, respect, and support as they pursue their fullest potential.”
Weinbaum’s words reflect Project HOME’s core values and capture the shared vision at the heart of this partnership.
WPF’s support directly funded:
Preservation efforts and renovations at Kate’s Place, Project HOME’s largest residence, comprising 144 units of permanent supportive housing Center City;
Capital renovations at Joyce’s Place, the new permanent location for Project HOME’s Women of Change safe haven; and,
Construction costs at Inn of Amazing Mercy, Project HOME’s residence in Kensington that offers 50 units of recovery-focused permanent supportive housing and supplementary services for up to 12 persons with substance use disorder, through four efficiency units and eight respite beds.
Together, these developments offer safety, healing, and hope to more than 230 people who have experienced homelessness – each, a step closer to long-term stability and a brighter future.
A Vision for a Just City
While WPF’s philanthropy typically focuses on education, the arts, and the environment, its investment in Project HOME reflects a deeper understanding of what it means to build a just and inclusive city.
“Since its founding more than 75 years ago, the Foundation has always supported transformative work that helps people access opportunities that will improve their quality of life,” says Weinbaum. “Clearly, Project HOME fits well within this category having helped change the trajectory of thousands of lives of people who were previously homeless.”
Through its Democracy and Civic Initiatives program, WPF addresses project gaps and time-sensitive needs that are not covered by the Foundation’s other program areas. When Project HOME approached them about closing critical capital gaps, WPF recognized a meaningful opportunity to invest in lasting change.
“We believe that these projects benefit residents who live there,” adds Weinbaum, “and also benefit the entire city as we seek to be a more inclusive and just place to live.”
Restoring Hope
Each of the three residences supported by WPF’s generosity is unique, yet all three are linked by a shared goal: creating a community where residents can heal, grow, and belong.
“These homes offer more than shelter,” says Donna Bullock, Project HOME’s President and CEO. “They’re places where people are treated with respect, connected to care, and invited to imagine a future beyond survival.”
When the gift was announced in November of 2023, Katherine H. Christiano, Chair, WPF Board of Directors, outlined WPF’s aspirations for the grant.
“Project HOME’s pioneering work has been helping people regain stability in their lives for over 35 years. With this grant we’re pleased to help Project HOME complete the fundraising needed to preserve and expand several supportive and affordable housing developments. We’re always looking at opportunities to improve the quality of life for Philadelphians, and this investment in Project HOME will do that for all of us.”
A Shared Mission of Possibility
In many ways, WPF and Project HOME are driven by the same hope: that every person should have the chance to reach their fullest potential.
“Part of Project HOME’s mission is to enable all of us to attain our fullest potential,” reflects Weinbaum. “We see our grantmaking at WPF as having essentially the same mission. Our grantmaking enables people to take part in our democracy, helps young children to thrive, supports adults to attain rewarding employment, provides opportunities for artistic and creative expression, and improves the natural and built environments where we live.”
For Project HOME, WPF’s generous gift came at a pivotal moment – not only filling essential funding gaps but also reinforcing the belief that lasting change happens when institutions work together in shared leadership, linked by compassion, commitment, and community.
“As we look to the future,” offers Bullock, “we’re so grateful to have found in WPF a partner whose vision matches our own: a city where everyone has a place to call HOME.”
