Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) recently announced that the Church will provide a $300,000 contribution to the Mayor’s Office of Re-integration Services for Ex-offenders, otherwise known as RISE. RISE has been working with the corporate community, nonprofits and the faith community to reduce the recidivism rate for ex-offenders and better integrate them into society.
On September 1, the City of Philadelphia and the LDS Church reached an agreement for the development of a new Mormon Temple at 1701 Vine Street. Construction of the 68,000-square-foot facility will include the Temple, a meeting house, green space and an underground garage with capacity for 200 parking spaces. The development project will be completed in 2013.
“The LDS Church proposed a creative and generous offer in support of one of the City’s most pressing concerns – preparing ex-offenders for reintegration into the city’s neighborhoods and economy,” said Mayor Nutter. “This unique and very special contribution by the LDS Church is a testament to a religious community showing its deep concern for those who have transgressed and are seeking redemption.”
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ donation to RISE is a further sign of the Church’s investment not only in the City of Philadelphia but its people,” said Elder Robert B. Smith of the Church’s Quorum of Seventy.
The Temple is expected to host approximately 400,000 visitors and generate an estimated $13 million in visitor spending annually. Approximately 300 construction jobs and 50 permanent jobs will be created. The total economic impact in the City of Philadelphia is estimated at $68.3 million and $112.5 million the Commonwealth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has pledged the following:
At least 35 percent minority/women business participation in construction management
15 percent minority/women/disabled business participation in architecture and engineering
35 percent minority/women/disabled business participation in demolition and construction services
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