I had a mattress, which stunk, two milk crates of belongings, an old boom box, and some clothes to my name. There was no place to keep my private things, if I had any that is. My step father had thrown me out. And this was the only place I knew to go. I was 16 turning 17.
-Karl Martino, founder of Philly Future, on being homeless on Philadelphia.

Project HOME is the city's premier organization aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness. The organization, and its executive director, Sister Mary Scullion, is one of the main reasons that other cities are starting to look to Philadelphia on how to end homelessness. And, it is probably not going out on too far of a limb to say that Mayor Street could not have and would not have been able to propose a plan to completely end homelessness in Philadelphia if it were not for the work of Sister Mary and Project HOME.

To that end, I wanted to let everyone know about a fundraiser that I am going to, on October 27th, and hope I can encourage at least a few others to come as well: A group billing itself as "The Young Friends of Project HOME" are organizing a benefit for the wonderful organization, next week, Thursday, October 27, 5:30pm to 8:00pm. The tickets are not cheap- $40 dollars if you buy them in advance- but, I am going to go, and support a wonderful group, that has had an integral part in changing the debate on homelessness in Philadelphia. I hope to see a few of you there, as well.

And, please read the rest of Karl's post at Philly Future.