Collections under way to fund lasting legacy of Pope Francis’ visit to Philly

Collections for a fund to create a lasting legacy of the papal visit to Philadelphia are gaining momentum. 

The Francis Fund has a goal of $1.4 million to help area charities in the name of Pope Francis, said Sister Mary Scullion, co-founder of Project HOME and leader of the Hunger and Homelessness Committee of the World Meeting of Families.

“There’s 50 organizations in Camden and the Philadelphia region that are addressing the needs of those in need. None of the money will come to Project HOME,” Scullion said. “We will use every penny of that money to help those organizations increase their capacity.”

Scullion has expanded the fundraising effort to Washington, D.C., another stop on the pope’s late-September itinerary. 

All proceeds will benefit those living in this region through various initiatives.

“Like building an addition in Camden for Healthcare Services,” Scullion said. “Working with Dawn’s Place, building another house for woman who have been trafficked.  To buy healthy foods, to buy a truck for Housing First.”