James believed that all human beings were worthy of respect and caring and opened a drop-in center to serve the needs of street alcoholics. Along with his wife , Ann, and friends James collected food, clothing and other donations. The Center was a place where there was always a hot cup of coffee, conversation, a respite from the weather and an atmosphere of caring and respect.

Early funding came from many sources mostly individuals and churches. As time past, however, foundations and corporations were also approached but in the early years few saw the homeless as a priority.

As the root cause of homelessness increased so did the population utilizing the program. The multiplicity of problems that characterized the program no longer made the name "Save the Alcoholic" seem appropriate so the program was renamed "Center for Street People". In the nineties when the program name began to rankle with the participants as many felt they were not "street people" the name was again changed. This time the board wished to honor the founder, who in 1986 had died of cancer, and it was renamed Harper House.

James vision for the program had always been that of an open door where regardless of the views of the rest of society, at his program all were accorded dignity and worth. Service always centered around survival and the elevation of self-esteem. He understood that many could change their situation if given the right support, but he was also wise enough to know that for some there were few things that dramatically change their situation. For these people, the infirm, those with terminal illness or those with chronic mental health problems that had not seen remission with medication regimens, he held open a special place in his heart. To provide services for them was a mission of love.