Connelly House is an affecting  and innovative joint venture between two Philadelphia non-profit organizations dedicated to serving the needs of the homeless and low- and moderate-income residents. Working with St. John the Evangelist Church, Bethesda Project and Project H.O.M.E. are developing a multi-use building that will provide 79 units of affordable, supportive, and permanent housing for formerly homeless adults with special needs, facilities for their respective programs, and an expanded Parish Center for the church.

In designing Connelly House, it was critical for all members of the design team to understand the powerful story behind this project and how it will positively affect the city of Philadelphia, and most importantly, the quality of life for future tenants. Therefore, the project team was charged with going beyond the needs of a conventional apartment building and designing a real and permanent residence for at-risk adults, many of whom previously have called the outdoors, cars, and temporary shelters home. By finally having a place of their own, residents of Connelly House can focus on and continue to make progress on various recovery, health care, education, and employment goals.

Connelly House achieves the goals set by Philadelphia’s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness and the Center City District’s East Market Street Plan. In addition to addressing the critical need for supportive housing in the city, Connelly House will greatly improve the pedestrian experience by redeveloping blighted property, increasing safety in under-utilized alleyways, and creating interesting mid-block connections.

This project has been constructed and is in use.