Bon Jovi Becomes First-Ever Habitat for Humanity Ambassador

Habitat for Humanity, Project HOME, and Saturn are officially partnering with rock star Jon Bon Jovi to fight against homelessness and poverty in some of Philadelphia’s poorest neighborhoods.

At an Oct. 5 ceremony in Philadelphia attended by former president Bill Clinton, Bon Jovi announced the launch of the Phase V Homeownership Project – an extensive plan to renovate 15 houses on two historic Philadelphia blocks through “green building strategies.” Under the project, the dilapidated houses will be turned into energy-efficient homes containing energy-star rated appliances at a low price for owners.

“We are thrilled to partner with Jon Bon Jovi, the Philadelphia Soul, Habitat and Saturn,” enthused Sister Mary Scullion, co-founder of Project HOME. “Our collective talent and resources will expand our capacity and enable us to reach out to more families in need. This is another critical step forward for community revitalization in North Philadelphia.”

Since 1989, Project HOME has helped more than 7,000 people break the cycle of homelssness and poverty by providing street outreach, supportive housing, and comprehensive services that focus on health care, education and employment. Bon Jovi, founder of the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, has partnered with Project HOME before, helping the organization reach its dream to eliminate homelessness in Philadelphia.

Bon Jovi has also partnered with Habitat for Humanity in the past, serving as a motivating force behind the construction of 49 homes for low-income families.

“These organizations have both made ‘homeownership through hard work’ a reality,” explained Bon Jovi explained. “In working with Habitat and Project HOME, I’ve seen what a miraculous thing it is to hand someone the keys to a new home — not only a beautiful home that they can be proud to own, but a home that they’ve invested their own time, sweat and resources in.”

Also on Oct. 5, Habitat named Bon Jovi as the organization’s first ever ambassador.

“We are proud today to recognize Jon Bon Jovi as the first Habitat ambassador of our newly created Habitat for Humanity ambassador program,” said Jonathan Reckford, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity International.