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Project HOME's Latest Project Brings Homes And Opportunities To Chinatown

By Syma Chowdhry, Mark Abrams

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Project HOME is again doing its part to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in Philadelphia.

The group's latest project is bringing new homes and opportunities to the Chinatown neighborhood.

"This project will be a symbol of increasing economic diversity in Center City Philadelphia, which is amazing," says Sister Mary Scullion, co-founder of Project HOME.

Project HOME and the Chinatown Development Corporation spearheaded the effort to get 810 Arch Street off the ground. Scullion says the nine-story building will provide a place for low-income, working Chinese families and adults:

"This is going to be 94 units of affordable housing along with retail space on the first floor and its $23.5-million project."

Scullion says funding came through a public-private partnership. She says among those contributing - philanthropists Leigh and John Middleton.

Middleton is principal owner of the Philadelphia Phillies and chairman of the partners committee. It's the fourth time he and his wife have been involved with a Project Home deal.

"It's not just as simple as writing a check and giving away money," he says. "You have to know who to give the money to and you have to know that when you give it to them, they're going to use it for the best, highest purposes."

Governor Tom Corbett came to the event to show his support.

"It does provide that diversity for many different levels that will make it kind of unique," he said.

The project will be supported with private and public funds.

"Working together we can end homelessness," says Scullion.

The building is slated to open October 2015.

 

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