SVD-Run Home for the Homeless in Manila Marks 10th Anniversary

The Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center, a home for the homeless in Manila run by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), marked its 10th anniversary on July 10, celebrating a decade of service and mission to the wounded and homeless in the Philippines.

Founded by Father Flaviano L. Villanueva, SVD, a human rights activist and Divine Word missionary priest, the center has become a beacon of hope and renewal.

“The Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center celebrates a decade of recovery, life renewal, and restoring dignity to those who have been turned away by society,” said Fr. Villanueva. “The mission will continue with the support of people.”

The center focuses on providing dignified and holistic care to the homeless. Its well-known soup kitchen—fondly called the KALiNgA Center (an acronym for Kain-Aral-Ligo-Ng Ayos, meaning "a hot meal, learning, and a proper bath")—offers not only buffet meals and shower facilities, but also life skills training and educational opportunities to help individuals reintegrate into society.

Founded in 2015, Kalinga’s services are designed to help street dwellers rebuild their self-image and sense of dignity. To date, the foundation has provided nearly 900,000 "Kain-Aral-Ligo" services.

The anniversary was marked by a special event titled "ISANG DEKADA ng PAGKALINGA" (A Decade of Care), featuring a dinner where transformation stories were shared. The event also served as a fundraiser, with seats sold at 5,000 Philippine pesos each, supporting the ongoing mission of the center.

Fr. Villanueva expressed heartfelt gratitude to the individuals, institutions, and organizations that have supported the center with unwavering commitment and compassion over the past decade.

According to Ms. Lita Gallano, a center official, the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center is making a real difference in the lives of the homeless. “It not only feeds them but also trains them with skills and education so they can find jobs and lead a dignified life,” she said.

Thanks to the center, many former street dwellers have now gained access to education and employment. Recently, in partnership with government agencies, Canva Philippines, and the Philippine Statistics Authority, the center provided free birth certificates, death certificates, certificates of no marriage, national IDs, and other essential documents to the homeless.

The Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center continues to be a model of compassion in action, transforming lives and restoring human dignity through faith, service, and solidarity.