Until All Are Home: A Year-End Message from Donna Bullock
As we approach the end of the year and welcome the promise of a new one, I’m inspired by the light that shines in each of us—kindness, resilience, and hope. Every day at Project HOME, I witness that light shine: in our residents, in our staff and volunteers, and in the generosity of this community that believes with us, that none of us are home until all of us are home.
This year’s Point-in-Time Count reminded us of the importance and urgency to shine a light on our urgent work, with 5,516 Philadelphians experiencing homelessness—1,178 of them living unsheltered. Homelessness has risen in Philadelphia for the fourth consecutive year. Even with this news, promise of proven solutions and encouraging news shines. Over the last three decades, we have steadily made progress on addressing homelessness, and our numbers are not as alarming as other major cities. Also, Philadelphia's poverty rate has fallen, and we’re no longer the "poorest big city.” That is a testament to what happens when people and systems unite around real, evidence-based solutions.
This year’s Point-in-Time Count highlighted just how vital our mission remains, with 5,516 Philadelphians experiencing homelessness—including 1,178 living without shelter. For the fourth year in a row, homelessness has risen in our city, driven by ending pandemic aid, the opioid epidemic in Kensington, and a lack of affordable housing. Yet, there is hope: over the past three decades, we have made steady progress, and our numbers are not as severe as those in other major cities. Even more encouraging, Philadelphia’s poverty rate has dropped, and we are no longer the “poorest big city.” This progress is a testament to what’s possible when people and systems unite around real, evidence-based solutions.
At Project HOME, we’ve accomplished so much together: over 1,000 supportive housing units, 98 percent of our residents stably housed for at least a year, and most recently, the groundbreaking of House of Grace—where next fall, 45 more people will find not just shelter, but support to pursue their dreams. Our Stephen Klein Wellness Center, Honickman Learning Center Comcast Technology Lab, Hub of Hope, and outreach teams continue to meet people where they are, caring for mind, body and spirit. More than 380 adults took part in our education programs this year; more than 700 received career services, and participants collectively earned over $1.9 million in competitive wages. Every graduation, every doctor’s visit, and every act of compassion helps illuminate the path home for someone in our community.
We do not know exactly what the future holds, but I know this: Project HOME stands steady in the midst of uncertainty. Our collective light will keep shining the way. We will keep advocating for solutions that work. Solutions that are rooted in dignity, compassion, and community.
To everyone who has joined hands with us, who believes that every person has the right to safe shelter, opportunity, and belonging—thank you. Your faith in this mission allows light to break through even the darkest, coldest nights.
Together, we will continue to ensure that the light of love, hope and home reaches every corner of our city—until all of us are home.
Until All Are Home,
Donna Bullock
President & CEO, Project HOME
