Just Do It

Vote for Homes! Registration and Education Training

by Joel Tannenbaum

Thu., Sept. 4, 6-7:30 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 7, 2:30-4 p.m.; Thu., Sept. 11, 3:30-5 p.m., 1515 Fairmount Ave.; call 215-232-7272, ext. 3042, or e-mail jenninemiller@projecthome.org to register

There has never been a homeless advocacy organization quite like Project H.O.M.E., and there's never been a homeless advocate quite like Sister Mary Scullion. You might have heard the Sisters of Mercy nun recently on "Radio Times," politely but thoroughly eviscerating Center City District CEO Paul Levy over his depiction of homelessness in Rittenhouse Square. Or you might have seen her on the streets of North Philadelphia, ministering to the needs of the homeless and/or mentally disabled residents of the neighborhoods surrounding Project H.O.M.E. headquarters at 16th Street and Fairmount Avenue.

Established in 1989, Project H.O.M.E. has always worked on two levels: tending to the basic needs of its constituents, such as food, shelter and employment, and at the same time working on longer-term, policy-related projects meant to address the causes of homelessness. Vote for Homes!, a nonpartisan voter registration drive aimed at homeless Philadelphians, fits into the second category. To date, the advocacy coalition brought together by Project H.O.M.E. has registered more than 12,600 new voters.

At the upcoming voter education and registration drives, you'll learn all about voter rights for the homeless, ex-offenders and the disabled, as well as typical obstacles all three groups encounter when attempting to exercise their constitutional right to vote. Learn how to volunteer directly with Vote for Homes!, or take what you learn from the drive and bring it back to your friends, family or community organization and strike out on your own.