December 2025 Newsletter Editorial
The FHA Team, spread in four countries and two continents, works mostly online and, once in a while, has few opportunities to meet with Vincentian Family members through in-person conferences or meetings. This dynamic allows us to make the best use of the resources available in support of the fight against homelessness. Yet we embrace opportunities to meet with others – in person and online – as blessed moments that renew our energies and our understanding of the specific ways in which we can journey with the Vincentian Family for a world without homelessness.
In November 2025, the Pilgrimage of Hope was very different from our other events. We walked with those experiencing homelessness. We listened directly to them during meals, walks and prayer. We shared their joy of being in Rome and receiving the bronze keys representing the 13 Houses Campaign, and their emotion as they were greeted by Pope Leo. We welcomed God’s blessings through them and witnessed their unfailing hope, a hope we are called to manifest also in our own lives and service.
As we reflect again and again on this event, we realize that the Passing of the Holy Door meant so much for FHA. The milestone of closing the Jubilee Year Project with our lords and masters. The symbolic act of embracing the Church’s journey, along with a new Pope whose heart is close to those experiencing poverty and homelessness. A renewed commitment to serve and transform the lives of people experiencing homelessness in its multiple forms, and the beginning of a new journey…
In November, the Vincentian Family Executive Board (VFEB) approved the continuity of FHA with Depaul International as the host member of the Vincentian Family providing infrastructure and management support. This means that we will continue to support the VF involved in homelessness work across the world while collaborating more effectively and learning from Depaul’s own experience in addressing homelessness. A new FHA strategic cycle is beginning with a perspective of diving deeper into the creation of sustainable responses to homelessness, led by the worldwide Vincentian Family.
On this Christmas Season, may our encounter with those experiencing homelessness open our hearts to truly experience “God-with-us”. May we find in this fragile yet powerful Prince of Peace the courage to advocate for a world free of injustice and homelessness, and a world where each person has a place to call home and a stake in the community.
