The business initiative PHLCares donated $500,000 to support the launch of HOPE 220, the City of Philadelphia’s new transitional housing center located at 220 N. Broad Street, as part of efforts to reduce street homelessness.
PHLCares is a business-led initiative that invests in solutions to address chronic homelessness in the city. Since its creation, more than 70 companies, hospitality organizations, community leaders, and individuals have contributed to the fund, coordinated by the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA).
Organizations that made donations specifically directed to HOPE 220 include Visit Philadelphia, Brandywine Realty Trust, the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, the Wawa Foundation, the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. These contributions were matched by the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.
“We joined other community leaders to create and fund PHLCares because we believe there is both a moral and business imperative to support efforts aimed at addressing chronic street homelessness,” said John J. McNichol, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority and co-chair of PHLCares.
Strategy to reduce homelessness
HOPE 220, operated by The Salvation Army, is part of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s initiative “One Philly Response to End Street Homelessness,” which aims to implement strategies to reduce homelessness in Philadelphia.
According to the 2025 federal Point-in-Time (PIT) count, about 1,178 people were living on the streets or unsheltered in the city. In response, city officials set a goal of adding 1,000 additional beds to the shelter system.
“We are incredibly grateful to PHLCares for this $500,000 donation to the Salvation Army, our provider partner for HOPE 220,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “The city cannot solve homelessness alone. We believe in the ‘One Philly’ approach, based on collaboration to confront our community’s toughest challenges.”
Services and support for residents
The HOPE 220 center has 92 beds, rooms for families and individuals, showers, personal lockers, laundry facilities, and food preparation areas. Currently, 51 people live at the center, with the goal of helping them transition to permanent housing.
The center will also offer on-site medical services in partnership with Jefferson Health, including primary care, preventive screenings, and referrals to other health services.
“HOPE 220 offers much more than temporary shelter; it creates a pathway to stability for people seeking to rebuild their lives,” said Captain Benjamin Lyle, commander of The Salvation Army in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Since its founding in 2019, PHLCares has raised more than $2 million to support housing programs and services for people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.
For more information about PHLCares, visit: https://phlcares.com/