Pop’s House
Owner: Shelby Kearny
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Business: Pop’s House, a Nonprofit Organization
Purpose of Loan: Business Purchase and Expansion
Impact: Affordable Housing, Food Resources
Inspired by a legacy and a dream to combat homelessness in the Capital Region. Shelby Kearney was a real estate investor with several properties in the Capital Region. Through her investment properties she became aware of an increase in homelessness, especially among veterans and ex-offenders. As a young girl, Shelby’s father, who she affectionately called “Pop,” would take her with him to visit the large populations of homeless veterans who made their homes in temporary camps near their home in New York City. To honor the legacy of her father and the compassion he showed and instilled in her, Shelby knew she was called to use her talents and resources to make a difference.
Shelby went to work to establish foundational services, housing, and food resources to help veterans, ex-offenders and others in the community who were homeless or at-risk of becoming homelessness. Her end goal was to provide much needed support and help clients achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Through this, Shelby became the founder and CEO of Pop’s House.
In 2018, homelessness was on the rise and the demand for the services through Pop’s House continued to increase. Shelby had an opportunity to acquire the Robert M Jackson Veteran’s Center but needed a partner to help expand her efforts. In a matter of days, Shelby was referred to Finanta twice by two trusted advisors. She called and we answered. We helped Shelby secure the funding that she needed to expand her work in the Capital Region. Today, Pop’s House is working to reduce homelessness, empower clients to be self-sufficient and lessen the burden on the community.