Revitalization of North Philadelphia has been a long time coming. Student activism at Temple can help bring that change further along. On March 18, Project H.O.M.E. (Housing, Opportunities, Medical Care, Education)will hold a 5K run to raise money for the Honickman Roberts Learning Center.
The 5K run begins at 9 a.m. at West River Drive and the 1-mile fun walk starts ten minutes later. To join, runners pay $12 when pre-registering, deadline March 3, and $15 to register the day of the race.
“Everyone is invited to run,” Jim Shea, program activist, said. He added that he was hopeful students would take part.
H.O.M.E. has raised $25,000 to fund the run, so all money raised at the run will go directly toward construction costs. Already Comcast and Honickman have donated $1.5 million each towards the project.
Construction is set to begin this year, following additional funding created by the run. Two prominent families in Philadelphia, for which the center is being named, and the Comcast Foundation have already donated money.
Temple Student Government gave $16,000 last year and Temple Alumni gave $1,000. Now, Shea, former journalism professor and Temple vice president, has asked Temple students and faculty to join in to “make the whole Temple family involved.”
Campus Police has offered buses as transportation to the run.
Though Temple isn’t a sponsor of the project, Shea sees Temple’s involvement as a major boost to the project. Not only is it the largest employer in North Philadelphia, Temple has an ongoing commitment to surrounding community.
In a recent meeting on campus, Housing, Recreational Services, Greek Life, and the Dean Students all pledged support of the run by making flyers and information available to the students and employees each came in contact with.
All employees received information attached to their paychecks, but students can pick up applications in the Dean of Students office, 4th floor SAC.
The learning center, to be built on the 1900 block of Judson Street, will benefit both children and adults with an after school program for children offering learning through technology and computer training. The adult education is to offer computer training, G.E.D. classes and job search skills training.
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