[NEWS] 'Pope-up' raises money and awareness for city's homeless
From Al Dia News:Â
Wednesday saw the launch of the first “Pope-up,” an initiative led by Project HOME to raise awareness and money for the city’s homeless population. With just over 40 days until the World Meeting of Families (WMOF) and Pope Francis’ visit, Sister Mary Scullion, the executive director at Project HOME, takes her message to the streets.
“We’re asking people in the Philadelphia region and beyond to join us concrete acts of mercy and justice to honor the Pope,” Scullion said.
On a breezy August afternoon in Rittenhouse Square, Scullion and her team set up a life-size cardboard rendering of the Pontifex that carries the message "#mercyandjustice." Passersby were encouraged to pose for pictures and learn more about the "Francis Fund."
Money collected through the “Francis Fund” will go directly to 61 organizations in the area. The goal is to reach $1.4 million, and to date, Project HOME is well on its way with $950,000. Those funds will be put towards purchasing food for organizations like Casa del Carmen in Hunting Park and St. Francis’ Inn in Kensington, which serve hundreds of the city’s homeless each day. Funds will also help purchase medical supplies and basic home utilities for the city’s homeless and formerly homeless.
