BSM & The 100,000 Homes Campaign

The reality of homelessness in America, and in Philadelphia, is a grave one. It is easy to ignore it, or to lose hope that it will ever change. At BSM we strive to be good news to our neighbors here in Center City Philadelphia, and those neighbors include folks who are struggling with homelessness, suffering from mental illness, and recovering from or gripped by addiction. We try to empower people to bring about transformation in their lives and the lives of others, whether that's providing mail service that helps people get access to shelters and other services, creating art together, or working in the civic arena to change unjust systems.

Our collaboration and participation with the 100,000 Homes Campaign is just one way that we hope to work to end homelessness in our city and throughout the country. We are excited to be the "home base" during the Philadelphia Outreach Week, as over 150 volunteers go out in the early morning hours to compile a registry of all those experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.

To complete this vital registry, the 100,000 Homes Campaign is partnering with Philadelphia organizations like BSM, The Bethesda Project, City of Philadelphia Office of Supportive Housing, Horizon House, Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Pathways Philadelphia, Project H.O.M.E., The United Way, and The Sheller Family Foundation in a week-long effort to identify and help persons who are homeless obtain permanent housing.

As we move into Philadelphia Outreach Week, there are several ways that you can support this work:

• Spread the word! Tell your friends about 100k Homes Philly by sharing with them this link: http://www.100khomesphilly.org/
• Follow them on Twitter and Facebook for information and updates
• Sponsor various expenses related to the outreach week, like breakfast and coffee for the volunteers, "Welcome Home" kits given to those who are placed in housing as a result of the outreach, "Thank You" cards and food coupons that will be given to those who agree to be registered. To read more about these opportunities and more, click here.