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Many branches of the Vincentian Family already are engaged very actively in the FHA.
Many are still on the way.
With this letter, in view of preparations to celebrate the Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul
in all countries where the Vincentian Family is present, I would like to invite the National
Councils of the Vincentian Family to unite their members. In countries where one does
not yet exist, I encourage one of the leaders to call a meeting of all the representatives of
the different branches. In either case, it is for a very concrete goal: engaging together in
the FHA project.
Branches of the Vincentian Family might participate in the FHA in various ways:
1) Provide information to the FHA on your homelessness projects. This will allow the
FHA to map our collective global impact, proving the strength of the Vincentian
Family’s homelessness ministry.
2) Offer your expertise to the wider Vincentian Family. The FHA is looking for proj-
ects that could welcome a young leader for a short exchange to gain experience. You
could also engage in partnerships with other groups involved in the homelessness
sector.
3) Engage in research, conversations, and learning opportunities that can help us bet-
ter grasp the reality of the many devastating refugee crises, too often forgotten.
In addition to the three above-mentioned points, for the upcoming Feast of Saint Vin-
cent, I would like to encourage all countries where the “13 Houses Campaign” has yet to be-
gin to take concrete steps to launch it. The “13 Houses Campaign” is one of FHA’s projects
that directly affects the lives of homeless persons.
The name “13 Houses” comes from an initiative of Saint Vincent de Paul in response to the
devastating poverty in Paris in his time. Together with the Daughters of Charity, the Congre-
gation of the Mission, and the Ladies of Charity (AIC), he had built 13 houses for children
without one.
The goal of the “13 Houses Campaign” is to engage the branches of the Vincentian Family
in a given country to build together homes for those who do not have one. The number of
houses or the creative ways to find accommodations for the homeless will differ from country
to country. In some countries, the Vincentian Family may build two or ten houses; in others,
more than thirteen. In any case, we can all take part in the so-called “13 Houses Campaign.”
The Commission of the FHA is ready and eager to help make this a reality thanks to its expert
team to help you plan and design your project and, if needed, to help you find funds for it
500 East Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA
+1 (215) 715-3984 VFO@famvin.org famvin.org 3
Vincentian Family Office · Bureau de la Famillie Vincentienne · Oficina de la Familia Vicenciana
through twinning, partnerships, the Solidarity Fund, or grant writing.
I encourage all the international, national, and local leaders of the different branches
of the Vincentian Family, together as a branch on the international level or separately on
the national or local area, to get in touch with the coordinating committee member Mrs.
Yasmine Cajuste (fha.info@famvin.org) to send or receive information. You also can visit
the FHA website: vfhomelessalliance.org.
Here is a link to a video encouraging participation in the “13 Houses Campaign”:
https://youtu.be/42xwaMfCjO4.
I hope that, for all members of the Vincentian Family, the annual celebration of the Feast
of Saint Vincent de Paul will help us to work ever more effectively in the service of the poor.
As we engage with persons in need, others help carry our needs. It becomes a holy exchange,
a holy ground.
May Saint Vincent de Paul, the “Mystic of Charity,” help us to grow more and more in our
relationship with God and the poor, enlightened by the Spirit and with an increased desire to
become Mystics of Charity ourselves.
Your brother in Saint Vincent,