Consider This from NPR: As Longtime Housing Activist Retires, the Fight to End Homelessness Continues
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Host: NPR’s Ari Shapiro
Rising Homelessness Numbers Alarm the Nation
In the latest report released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in January, the United States faces an unsettling increase in homelessness. According to NPR's Jennifer Ludden, the report revealed that 770,000 people were living in shelters or without stable housing during the count—a staggering 18% rise from the previous year and the highest figure recorded since the report's inception in 2007 (00:18). However, experts like Jeff Olivet, former head of the government's Interagency Council on Homelessness, offer a glimmer of hope. He notes that in cities such as Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Dallas, homelessness numbers are stabilizing or even decreasing, suggesting that strategic investments in housing can yield positive results (01:12).
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Controversy
A significant policy shift occurred last year when the Supreme Court ruled that cities could criminalize sleeping outside, even for those with nowhere else to go. Advocates argue that this decision effectively criminalizes poverty, while supporters claim it will encourage individuals to seek homeless services and rehabilitation programs. Tom Patty, San Joaquin County Supervisor, defended the ruling by stating, “The homeless have no right to turn every park and sidewalk into a place for them to squat and do drugs” (02:08). This ruling has led to over 100 jurisdictions, including areas east of San Francisco, implementing bans on outdoor sleeping (02:27).
Project Home: A Beacon of Hope in Philadelphia
Amidst national debates and policy changes, grassroots organizations continue to make strides in combating homelessness. Project Home in Philadelphia stands out as a testament to dedicated activism. Founded in 1989 by Sister Mary Scullion, Project Home began as an emergency winter shelter and has since expanded to encompass a thousand housing units and two businesses providing employment opportunities to formerly homeless individuals. Sister Mary, honored by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2009, recently retired after 35 years of service (04:50).
An Interview with Sister Mary Scullion: Building Beyond Shelters
In an insightful conversation, Sister Mary delves into what sets Project Home apart from other homeless service organizations. She emphasizes a holistic approach, stating, “Project Home different is that we were able to understand that housing or shelter is not enough. People needed health care, the jobs, the education that enable people not only to survive but to thrive” (05:01). For her, providing a roof is merely the beginning. Sister Mary underscores the importance of community, referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s concept of the "beloved community": “We continue to strive to be, a beloved community where everyone is welcomed and valued” (05:20).
One of the organization's guiding principles is encapsulated in their motto, “None of us are home until all of us are home.” Sister Mary explains the origin of this powerful statement, highlighting the interconnectedness of the community: “We needed to engage everyone in our community to recognize that homelessness affects all of us and that if anyone is homeless, all of us are impacted by that” (05:45). This philosophy draws inspiration from historical movements, reinforcing the idea that addressing homelessness is a collective responsibility.
Challenges and the Path Forward
When addressing recent challenges, including the Supreme Court's decision to limit options for the homeless, Sister Mary expresses deep concern about the nation's direction: “It's totally moving in the wrong direction. And it's acceptable because it's just simply wrong” (09:59). She acknowledges a growing public awareness about the lack of affordable housing and its broader implications but remains cautious about the effectiveness of current political agendas in addressing the crisis comprehensively.
A Call to Action: What Can Individuals Do?
Sister Mary passionately urges individuals to take actionable steps in their daily lives to combat homelessness. She advocates for viewing every homeless person as a fellow human being and emphasizes the importance of social policy in enacting lasting change. “Social policy is the most impactful way to end and prevent homelessness. And it's not just about building new units. It's about preserving units. It's about helping existing renters and homeowners to afford and keep their homes safe and upgrade” (10:14). She encourages civic engagement, voting, and holding elected officials accountable to ensure resources are allocated effectively to support affordable housing and comprehensive care for all community members.
Sister Mary also highlights the often invisible struggles of the homeless population, including those living in unsafe or overcrowded conditions: “We have to see our brothers and sisters who are not only living on our streets, but in doubled up and unsafe housing conditions” (10:14). Her heartfelt plea is a reminder that ending homelessness requires both empathy and proactive effort from every individual.
Conclusion
As Sister Mary Scullion retires, her legacy through Project Home continues to inspire and guide the fight against homelessness in Philadelphia and beyond. Her holistic approach, emphasizing housing, healthcare, education, and community, offers a comprehensive model for other organizations nationwide. Despite the increasing numbers and challenging policies, the ongoing efforts of activists like Sister Mary demonstrate that positive change is possible through dedication, strategic action, and collective responsibility.
This episode was produced by Matt Ozug, Mark Rivers, and Elena Burnett, with additional reporting from Jennifer Ludden. Edited by Jeanette Woods and executive produced by Sami Yenigun.
Transcript Time References
- 00:18 - Initial homelessness statistics
- 01:12 - Jeff Olivet on positive trends
- 02:08 - Tom Patty on banning outdoor sleeping
- 02:27 - Nationwide implementation of bans
- 04:50 - Sister Mary’s retirement and Project Home’s growth
- 05:01 - Holistic approach of Project Home
- 05:20 - Importance of community
- 05:45 - Origin of Project Home’s motto
- 09:59 - Concerns about national policy direction
- 10:14 - Call to action for individuals
Note: Advertisements, sponsor messages, and non-content segments from the transcript have been excluded to focus solely on the episode's key discussions and insights.