Our Projects

"The city is broken, not because of the lack of fathers, not because of the presence of drugs but because of the lack of God. We believe the city can be changed by bringing God back into the city...that's what we want to do through the buildings, through the outreaches, through the ministries we have...we want to present the Gospel to everyone we come into contact with." Pastor David Dominguez, Founder

In a city filled with violence, in Kensington where you'll see third world conditions, needles all over the ground, people in desperate and hopeless situations, Pastors David and Shirrie Dominguez believe they were called to Philadelphia to bring change and revive God-given dreams...Dreams are meant to be Awakened! They believe God-given dreams are awakened when people are connected to Jesus. Philly Dream Center is a 50,000 square foot facility that was formerly part of the Catholic Diocese of Philadelphia and includes 4 buildings - a rectory that housed priests, a convent where nuns resided, a church, and a two-story school that can be a beacon of hope for the community. The former priest of the church (known as Our Lady Help of Christians), who oversees 5 churches in the area said he believes "the Holy Spirit is trying to do something here."

Each of the buildings are in need of significant upgrades and remodeling to allow them to create new occupancies and to comply with code. Many of the spaces are not inhabital due to finishes that are in poor or failing conditions, mechanical and electrical systems that are inoperable or in unsafe conditions, plumbing systems that are not reliable, and water infiltration issues is several areas. Initial renovations include: - Renovating a large space below the main sanctuary to become a church for the community - Renovating the first floor of the former convent to become a community center and cafe for youth and young adults to meet in a safe and uplifting space. - Upgrading portions of the upper floors of the former convent for residential space for men from the streets to get a chance to be rehabilitated. Upgrades are needed for the bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms. - Renovations to a portion of the school for after school programs for children in the community. - Upgrades to an existing kitchen to become a commercial kitchen for the feeding program in the Kensington area.

Engineering Hope is facilitating a team of professional consultants to ensure the renovations provide functional, efficient and vibrant spaces that align with Philly Dream Center's mission in a cost effective way. Consultants will include architects, life safety specialists, MEP engineers, and building envelope consultants, among others. Professional cost estimators will be retained at strategic times to inform PDC of funding needed for each renovation. EH will assist PDC in the phasing for each project and provide recommendations on which projects require professional contractors and those that might be possible by volunteer groups.

Your partnership in bringing Philly Dream Center's vision to reality cannot be overstated. Engineering Hope is a 501(c)3 corporation so donations and contributions are tax deductible. Your contribution will allow professional consultants to develop concept studies and documents that will allow Philly Dream Center to be part of a positive transformation in the Kensington community of Philadelphia.

Join us as we Transform Buildings and Lives in Kensington!