Mary Scullion
Sister Mary Scullion, R.S.M. is a Philadelphia-based American Roman Catholic religious sister and activist, and the co-founder, executive director and president of Project H.O.M.E. She was named by TIME as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" in 2009. In 2011, Scullion received the Laetare Medal, the highest award given to an American Catholic. Scullion has helped to found a number of organizations to address homelessness in Philadelphia, including Project H.O.M.E., which focuses on affordable housing ("H"), opportunities for employment ("O"), medical care ("M"), and education ("E"). With a staff of 450, Project H.O.M.E. provides 1,000 units of housing as well as other services through its 20 residences. More than 95 percent of those helped do not return to homelessness. Scullion's work has had a major impact in Philadelphia and is seen as a model for other cities. She anticipates retiring as of Dec. 31, 2024. Education Scullion attended Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia, where she became aware of the work of the Sisters of Mercy. She volunteered at Camp Ozanam, a summer camp run by the sisters for underprivileged children. Scullion attended Temple University for one year before transferring to St. Joseph’s