Rowan House

No one could have predicted that Rena Rowan Damone, a little girl from humble beginnings in war torn Lido Poland, would later become the famous fashion designer, businesswoman, and philanthropist we know and regard so highly today. As co-founder of the Jones New York clothing line, Rena Rowan Damone’s creative philosophy and leadership skills touch not only the fields of business and fashion, they also serve to encourage and inspire philanthropy in others.

"My childhood and early years made me stronger--and I’m happy that I had some suffering, so I can appreciate what I have now and what I can do for others," Mrs. Rowan Damone explains.

In 1995, she established the Rena Rowan Foundation for the Homeless, recognizing the needs of Philadelphia’s most vulnerable citizens, particularly homeless women with children. In 1997, Mrs. Rowan Damone, through her Rena Rowan Foundation for the Homeless, donated the initial $1.5 million to build Rowan House. Each year, she substantially contributes so that hundreds of families can experience supervised independent living in one of the 26 units at Rowan House through her annual generosity.

During 2006-2007, 38 families transitioned from 3902 Spring Garden to live in Rowan House’s individual apartments with their own kitchens to continue their progress in preparation for independent lives in the community.

Our longtime PEC friend continues to be an inspiration to staff and families at Rowan House. Gloria Guard calls Mrs. Damone "PEC’s own real life heroine! Rena’s core strength and inner spirit imbues every brick here at Rowan House. The women who come through these doors benefit from Rena’s heartfelt charity and her deep sense of personal responsibility."

The compassion and generosity of Rena Rowan Damone and her husband, legendary performer Vic Damone, continue to this day through an annual operating grant for Rowan House, and more importantly, through the vision and leadership of a single incredible woman and mother.