Community Corner
Camden Charities to Benefit From Civic Campaign Set Up in Honor of Pope's Visit
The World Meeting of Families—Philadelphia 2015 (WMOF) Hunger and Homelessness Committee is sponsoring "Mercy and Justice Initiative."
A group of civic and religious leaders is starting a campaign to end homelessness, hunger, and poverty in honor of Pope Francis’s visit to Philadelphia in September.
Six charities in the city of Camden who serve the needs of the poor, hungry and homeless have been selected as beneficiaries of this initiative.
The World Meeting of Families—Philadelphia 2015 (WMOF) Hunger and Homelessness Committee is sponsoring “Mercy and Justice Initiative.”
Find out what's happening in Collingswoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This initiative comes in response to the Pope’s impassioned appeal for society to reach out to meet the needs of those suffering from poverty and oppression. It includes:
- The Francis Fund, a special short-term fund in honor of the visit of Pope Francis to leave a lasting impact by addressing the needs of persons who are hungry and homeless in the greater Philadelphia area and Camden. Almost 50 human services organizations have already been approved for support, and almost $700,000 has already been committed to this effort.
- The Act for Justice Campaign will reach out to Congress, urging a concentrated national response to the crisis of poverty in this country in light of Pope Francis’ challenge.
The following six charities with locations in the city of Camden will receive funding through the Francis Fund. Their work provides direct assistance to those suffering from the effects of poverty or homelessness in and around the city. Contact them to speak to recipients of services or project organizers about the Papal visit and the projects that will be funded by the Francis Fund.
Find out what's happening in Collingswoodfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Cathedral Kitchen – The largest emergency food provider in the city, the Cathedral Kitchen has been serving meals to the poor and hungry of Camden for nearly four decades.
Use of Francis Funds: Expansion of meal program and renovation
Contact: Karen Talarico, Executive Director
856-964-6771
Karen@cathedralkitchen.org
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden – A social services agency serving a range of at-risk populations in the six southern NJ counties.
Use of Francis Funds: Establish program to expunge criminal records and expand matched savings program for first-time homebuyers in the city of Camden.
Contact: Kevin Hickey, Executive Director
856-342-4102
Kevin.Hickey@camdendiocese.org
Joseph’s House of Camden – Overnight Café for the homeless offering a continuum of services including emergency shelter, a range of supportive housing, and access to comprehensive social services.
Use of Francis Funds: Build an addition for small health clinic at shelter
Contact: John Klein, Executive Director
856-246-1087, ext. 201
jk@josephshouseofcamden.org
New Visions – Homeless day center serving breakfast and lunch to about 150 people every day in the City of Camden, adjacent to Joseph’s House of Camden.
Use of Francis Funds: Expand meal programs
Contact: Kevin Moran, Executive Director
609-217-5476
kpmoran@lsmnj.org
www.lsmnj.org/how-we-help/community-outreach-services/new-visions-homeless-day-shelter
Center for Family Services – A nonprofit human services agency serving youth and families through a comprehensive continuum of care dedicated to changing the odds for children and families through prevention, intervention, and education.
Use of Francis Funds: Apple a Day food program
Covenant House, NJ, Camden Location – Shelter for homeless, runaway, trafficked and at-risk youth providing food, shelter, immediate crisis care, and an array of other services.
Use of Francis Funds: Healthy foods initiative
For more information and to donate, visit mercyandjustice.org.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
