Extending Hospitality with New Solutions

June 25, 2013

On June 7, members of the local business community attended Extending Hospitality with New Solutions sponsored by BSM’s Hospitality Advisory Board. Several key leaders in the hospitality industry came and experienced the same meal and hospitality that BSM extends to all our guests.

Health Commissioner and Deputy Mayor for Health and Opportunity Dr. Don Schwarz spoke of the great strides being made to address homelessness and hunger in Philadelphia. Bill Golderer, Founder of Broad Street Ministry, shared the organization’s vision for partnering with the greater Philadelphia business community to extend hospitality to some of the City’s most vulnerable citizens, stating “Working together we can drive solutions to these complex and wicked problems.”

Steve Cook, Co-Owner of Cook & Solo Restaurants and a member of Broad Street’s Hospitality Advisory Board, shared his personal experience as a donor and volunteer at Broad Street. When he sponsors a meal at Broad Street, he brings with him his amazing staff from Zahav Restaurant. Imagine how our guests, many of whom are homeless, feel when they are treated with the same hospitality that Zahav’s banner team provides in their restaurant. He shared how he feels both honored and humbled when he volunteers at Broad Street.

There are many others who have stepped up to the plate to support the work here at Broad Street. Kevin Murnane, General Manager of the Doubletree Hilton in Philadelphia and his staff come once a month to volunteer during Breaking Bread. The Doubletree also donates personal care items and clothing. The Ritz Carlton sponsors a meal annually and the Loews Hotel provides two volunteers weekly and just began donating clothes.

Lou Lanni, real estate agent and former Philadelphia police officer who attended the luncheon, signed up immediately to sponsor a meal. When he heard that the cost to sponsor a meal is only $1,000, Lou said, “Wow, is that all? Sign me up now. And I want to come volunteer to serve the meal.” Lou was back within two weeks.

 Hospitality Collaborative is BSM’s model of social service delivery and social impact. The Collaborative provides four meals (called Breaking Bread) weekly alongside collocated services. These services are offered both by BSM and in partnership with other “best in practice” nonprofits to address both the immediate and long-term needs of BSM guests. Guests to BSM include those who are vulnerable and experiencing food and housing insecurity. To learn more about opportunities to get involved with Broad Street Ministry’s Hospitality Collaborative, click here for a downloadable pdf of our brochure or call us at 215-735-4847.

All photos compliments of JJ Tiziou. To view more pictures or to order photos, visit JJ Tiziou. The Hospitality Collaborative is funded in part by grants from:

• The Connelly Foundation
• Fund for Philadelphia
• Pew Charitable Trusts
• PNC Charitable Trusts
• Scattergood Foundation
• The Reinvestment Fund
• William Penn Foundation
• WW Smith Charitable Trusts
• Delaware Valley Regional Economic Development Fund
• Wayne Presbyterian Church
• Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
• Presbytery of Philadelphia
• Swathmore Presbyterian Church
• Westminster Presbyterian Church
• Arch Street Presbyterian Church
• And donations from many others