By Mark Saludes
PHILIPPINES – A Catholic-led housing initiative has opened its doors to street-dwelling families in the Philippine capital region, offering shelter, psychosocial support, and livelihood assistance as part of a long-term effort to address urban homelessness.
Launched on Jul 27 by Depaul International and the Vincentian Foundation, the Onward Home program welcomed its first batch of beneficiaries at the Kawayan Housing site in Quezon City.
The program is among the few housing-based interventions in the capital that specifically target families living on the streets—150 children and their caregivers.
It draws from the Vincentian tradition of serving the poor and marginalized, in the spirit of St Vincent de Paul.
“This is the greatest blessing the Lord has given us—one that I will never forget,” said Ma. Lhey Teresita Gocalin, a single mother who has lived without permanent housing for 16 years.
“Now that we are moving in here, I hope we can all come together and help this community flourish,” she added.
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