Our Team

 

At Philly House, we’re motivated by our Christian faith to demonstrate love, compassion and dignity to people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.

 
 

Leadership

Meet our leaders and learn a bit about why they believe in Philly House.

Rev. Jeremy Montgomery, MBA/MA President and CEO of Philly House

President & CEO

Rev. Jeremy Montgomery, MBA/MA

WHY I WORK HERE:

“I possess a strong urgency to serve the urban poor and those lost and in need…Philadelphia is a landmark historical city with a rich heritage, yet with deep and unmet needs. I am committed to ensuring Philly House is a leader in homeless services and programs in Philadelphia.”

President & CEO

Rev. Jeremy Montgomery, MBA/MA

With decades of transformational service and leadership experience at premier nonprofit organizations and ministries, Jeremy's journey in ministry began in high school when God placed it on his heart to tend to those in need living in our urban centers. Jeremy attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he received his M.A. in Urban Ministry. After a decade of ministry experience, he continued his educational studies at Eastern University to receive his M.B.A. in Management. Jeremy has found a true calling in steering the establishment of unparalleled levels of service for the homeless population of Philadelphia. Arriving here at Philly House in November 2018 after 8 years with Habitat for Humanity, he transitioned a New Jersey Habitat affiliate from all-volunteer to staff-driven and grew its operating budget from $175,000 to $3.1-million. Growing up with his parents and with over 100 foster brothers and sisters, Jeremy knows firsthand the importance of ensuring everyone has access to the full spectrum of resources required to physically and spiritually thrive. Especially having a safe, caring place to live. Jeremy is a dedicated fan of the Boston Red Sox, and since arriving in Philadelphia, he has developed a newfound love of sailing on the Delaware River with the Liberty Sailing Club.

Director of Donor Experience

Alison Murray

WHY I WORK HERE:

“What we do here at Philly House is done in and by a community of people who show up every day for the people in our city that are hungry, homeless and hurting. Working at Philly House is a true privilege, why not join us? There is a place for you in our big, messy and wonderful family! It’s the world we want to see.”

Director of Donor Experience

Alison Murray

Starting as a volunteer at the Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria, VA in 1999, Alison has had the privilege of working with individuals for whom the daily struggles associated with food, shelter insecurity and addiction are very real. In 2009, after a move to Colorado Springs, CO, Alison was employed by two of Springs Rescue Mission’s biggest community partners. Over a 10-year period, Alison was a non-profit partner, fundraiser, advocate, and volunteer. She served six years as a board member. As the Director of Donor Experience at Philly House, Alison looks forward to hearing the stories of all those associated with the mission and ministry of Philly House.

Erin L. Director of Homeless Services at Philly House

Director of Homeless Services

Erin L.

WHY I WORK HERE:

“I am a justice-seeker. Men experiencing homelessness rarely find justice as they navigate systems meant to help but often that fail them. I work at Philly House to stand in the gap and help our men find justice.”

Director of Homeless Services

Erin L.

Erin joined the team in April 2019 as a justice-seeker and holds a strong belief in redemptive compassion for those experiencing homelessness. Previously, she holds 10 years of nonprofit experience in a community action agency as a director administering homeless services and homeless prevention programs for an entire county in Michigan. Her hands-on experience in HUD's Continuum of Care (CoC) collaboration including HMIS, equips her to navigate Philadelphia’s systems to serve our homeless shelter guests. Erin was elected to the Philadelphia Roadmap to Homes CoC board in February 2022. Erin earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University. With the aim and outcomes to better serve our homeless population, her caring heart compels her to advocate for each person who daily walks into our doors.

 
 
Mark Blevins Director of Staffing at Philly House

Director of Staffing

Mark Blevins

WHY I WORK HERE:

“I believe I was led to do something meaningful. I worked corporate jobs for years and was never happy at what I was doing. I prayed to be led in the right direction to a job that would help make an impact and difference in some way. Working at Philly House has answered my prayers and allows me the opportunity to help the hurting, hungry and homeless of Philadelphia."

Director of Staffing

Mark Blevins

Mark joined Philly House in April 2018 after 13 years with home-improvement company, Lowe’s. He is a dedicated HR leader, elevating Philly House to a five-star service provider inside and out. Mark arrived in Philadelphia during his service with the US Navy in 1986 and fell in love with its rich history. When not supporting the staff of Philly and its guests, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and friends as well as spending time in the gym and enjoying travel every opportunity he can.

Facilities & Operations Manager

Ken Vonner

WHY I WORK HERE:

"I believe that being a servant is the greatest example of Christ that people can see in us. I am honored to work here because, every day I get the privilege, honor and the opportunity to make a small difference in the lives of our honored guests. With love, compassion and understanding, I strive to be the best servant that I can be to everyone I am blessed to meet."

Facilities & Operations Manager

Ken Vonner

With decades of experience in facilities and operations, Ken approaches his work at Philly House with both expertise and compassion. Not only does he ensure that Philly House can provide excellent services and operate 24/7, 365 days of the year, he also seeks to empower guests and residents to learn new skills and gain the experience needed to help them get jobs. Also serving as a pastor in a local church, his Christian faith motivates him to pursue excellence.

Jaqi Watkins Volunteer and Community Relations Manager at Philly House

Volunteer and Community Relations Manager

Jaqi Todd

WHY I WORK HERE:

“Being vulnerable enough to sit and eat with the men at Philly House opened my eyes and transformed my heart for the real people experiencing homelessness. That drives me to invite others into that same experience to mobilize together toward life transformation in our city."

Volunteer and Community Relations Manager

Jaqi Todd

Jaqi has always had a heart for ministry, especially engaging volunteers to activate their God-given potential through service. Prior to joining the Philly House team in October 2021, Jaqi served as the Connection Coordinator at Epic Church in Philadelphia. She believes in fostering dignity, love, and compassion through volunteer service. She is a graduate of The Art Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design.

 
 
Joseph Gonzalez Spiritual Care Coordinator at Philly House

Spiritual Care Coordinator

Joseph Gonzalez

WHY I WORK HERE:

“To invest into not only the hearts and minds of our homeless population at Philly House, but also the wellbeing of their souls.”

Spiritual Care Coordinator

Joseph Gonzalez

Joseph joined the team in 2020 to respond to God’s calling in his life to serve others in ministry. After experiencing food insecurity and near homelessness while attending high school, he knows the value that a safety net can provide. With a heart of compassion and justice, Joseph is committed to working alongside the Homeless Services team to be that safety net for men across Philadelphia who experience homelessness. An honors graduate of Clark Summit University with a degree in Intercultural Studies & Bible, Joseph is dedicated to being involved in the spiritual care of every person Philly House serves, from Bible study to playing chess. When he is not serving at Philly House, Joseph enjoys kayaking, fishing, and discovering delicious food spots around Philadelphia.

Case Manager

Andres Rodriguez

WHY I WORK HERE:

"I am honored to work at Philly House because of three words that I hold dear to my heart and which are embedded in our values here: 'Dignity, Hope and Intentional.' We give them hope, treat them with dignity, and walk with them genuinely, authentically intentional to help them stand, walk, and run."

Case Manager

Andres Rodriguez

Being no stranger to many of the circumstances which our Guests here at Philly House endured - born in the South Bronx, NY and raised in a vicious cycle of domestic abuse and violence, Andres was exposed to gangs, drug/alcohol abuse, and many of the cycle of behaviors that follows poverty and survival. After a supernatural encounter with Jesus Christ, he is privileged to be a pioneer church-planter, as well as staff member in several Rescue Missions. Celebrating 30 years of marriage with his wife Aileen, Andres enjoys time with his son and daughter, his daughter-in-law and son-in-law, and 6 grand children in addition to cycling and reading. Because he is a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan and a die-hard NY Yankees fan, his loyalties certainly are divided.

Join our Team

Work With Us

This could be YOU. Check out our openings on Indeed.com - and explore whether God is calling you to join our Team.

 
 
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Development and Administrative Staff

Anthony Buonpane
Controller

Angie Vincent
Head of Donor Care

Maya Travis
Bookkeeper

Homeless Services

Mike Mosley
Overnight Chaplain

Michael Caine
Shift Supervisor

Charlef Wilson
Intake Specialist

Frederick Love
Shelter Staff Ambassador

Eugene Green
Shelter Staff Ambassador

Victor Calderon
Shelter Staff Ambassador

Tyson Bolden
Shelter Staff Ambassador

Tony Dunn
Shelter Staff Ambassador

Edward Duckson
Shelter Staff Ambassador

Devin Garner
Shelter Staff Ambassador

Facilities and Kitchen Staff

Julio Arroyo
Head Cook

Mabel Marrero
Custodian

Frederick Berry
Kitchen Associate

Robert Horsey
Kitchen Associate

Cheyenne Patterson
Kitchen Associate

 

**Food management services provided by John Murray & Mike Doyle at GreenTree Food Management, Inc.

 
 

Board of directors

 

Jeffrey Harvey, CPFA, CEPA, CPWA
Board Chairman
Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor - Harvey, Seese & Associates, Rockefeller Capital Management

Robert Fairbaugh, CPA
Treasurer

Shareholder - DunlapSLK, PC

Pamela Davis
Secretary

Christ Community Church of Philadelphia-Community Liaison

Rev. Jeremy M. Montgomery
President & CEO

Philly House

G. Thomas Freeman, Ph.D.
President and CEO - The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth

Matt Hayes
Partner - Sovereign Insurance Group

Pastor Kent Jacobs
Lead Pastor - Epic Church

Dennis Mahoney, CPCU
Global Strategy and Partnerships - Food for the Hungry, Inc.

Thomas Schied
Director of Asset Management - TD Equipment Finance, Inc.

 

"I serve on the board of Philly House because I love the city of Philadelphia. From my worldview, there is no better way to make this city stronger than by sacrificially serving the least among us. The hungry, hurting and homeless need our time, talent and treasure.”

Jeffrey Harvey
Board Chairman