Project HOME engaged ESI to analyze and quantify the economic, fiscal, and social impacts of their comprehensive fundraising campaign, “HOME Is Where the START Is.” The purpose of this analysis was to articulate the broader societal implications facilitated by the campaign, which has raised over $130 million—exceeding its initial goal of $118 million.
Project HOME is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, and HOME is Where the START Is the first comprehensive campaign of its kind in the organization’s 35-year history.
Homelessness remains critical nationwide, with 600,000+ people affected nightly. Philadelphia faces particular challenges with high poverty rates.
HOME is Where the START Is represents a major fundraising effort designed to secure the future of Project HOME’s programs and services. The campaign aimed to raise $118 million (a goal that has already exceeded), with fundraising goals broken down into key categories critical to supporting Project HOME’s long-term sustainability and its efforts to provide housing, healthcare, and education to vulnerable populations.
Key Housing Impacts: 1,195 residents were served on average per year through the campaign, avoiding a cumulative $46 million in rental costs for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The campaign enabled Project HOME to develop residential capacity at a rate nearly 1.5 times faster than the previous three decades. With an estimated annual turnover rate of 16%, the increased capacity will allow Project HOME to house approximately 790 additional individuals over the next 10 years.
Key Health Impacts: Medical services provided through the campaign to an annual average of 5,016 patients helped avoid approximately $282 million in healthcare costs for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness, including an estimated 4,600 emergency department visits prevented each year.
Key Education and Employment Impacts: Through job placements secured following Adult Learning and Workforce programs, participants earned cumulative wages estimated at $2 million, demonstrating the campaign’s contribution to economic mobility.
Long-Term Impact: The private funds raised through the campaign have proven critical as a multiplier, attracting additional public funding. For capital investments specifically, every dollar allocated to capital projects attracted approximately $2.40 in additional public investment, significantly boosting the development of residential units for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Key Deliverables
Designed presentation for donors and stakeholders articulating the economic, community, and social impacts of the comprehensive campaign, paired with a comprehensive technical memo.