Source: Washington Post / AP

NEW YORK -- When Jon Bon Jovi told former President Bill Clinton about a new plan to restore homes in one of Philadelphia's most blighted neighborhoods, his pal was all ears.

Clinton "was intrigued enough that he offered his services, and said, 'If I can help you in any way, don't hesitate.' And we didn't," Bon Jovi told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Clinton stood beside the rocker in Philadelphia on Thursday as he announced his project, called the Phase V Homeownership Project, to renovate 15 decaying homes _ "messes of row homes," Bon Jovi said _ on two blocks on the city's north side.

Bon Jovi, co-owner of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League and creator of the team's charity foundation, teamed up with Habitat for Humanity, the Saturn automobile company and a local charity for the effort.

The rock star received the City of Brotherly Love Award from Mayor John F. Street Thursday night. The presentation was made at the National Constitution Center after the Liberty Medal ceremony, which honored former presidents George H.W. Bush and Clinton. Bon Jovi closed the event with a performance of his song "Who Says You Can't Go Home."

"We are all, in fact, connected," Bon Jovi said. "We can make a difference."

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