1. What is the Famvin Homeless Alliance?

The Famvin Homeless Alliance (FHA) was commissioned by the Heads of the Vincentian Family in 2017 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the birth of the Vincentian Charism.

Our vision is that everybody has a place to call home and a stake in their community. We focus our efforts on street homeless people, slum dwellers, refugees and internally displaced people.

Read more about us here.

2. Why do we exist?

The FHA was created to bring together the global Vincentian Family to provide practical help and encourage systemic change for the estimated 1.2 billion people in this world who are without a place to call home.

You can read more about what we want to achieve here.

3. What is the 13 Houses Campaign?

The 13 Houses Campaign is one of the tools of the FHA to work towards ending homelessness. The 13 Houses Campaign aims to improve and transform the lives of 10,000 people over the next 3-5 years in all of the 156 countries in which the Vincentian Family works.

You can find out more about the inspiration behind the 13 Houses Campaign here and how to get involved here.

4. How can I build 13 Houses in my community?

It all starts with an idea and the FHA is here to help you structure the process. Use our project development tool available here as a starting point. Also, talk to people in your community and think about how collaboration – both locally and globally – could help you to advance your idea.

At any stage you can contact the FHA to ask for advice and support. We are happy to link you up with experts, give you feedback on your project plan or help you to talk about your project idea on our social media platforms.

5. How can I get financial support for my project?

The FHA encourages you to initially seek support from your Vincentian Family branches to develop new projects. As the chosen project for the 400th anniversary of the Vincentian Charism, there is a commitment from most branches to find creative ways to aid the development of 13 Houses projects.

We support the development of partnerships that build bridges between those that have financial resources available and those that don’t. These partnerships can help raise vital support for new projects

The FHA has also set up a Solidarity Fund to support poorer countries and branches with brilliant ideas but limited financial resources.

Please check your eligibility here. If you are eligible, please send us your project, using the Solidarity Fund application form available here. It will go through an assessment process to clarify all aspects for FHA to better advocate for your project before potential donors

To support you in finding help from other sources, the FHA has developed a template to assist you navigate the application process of external trusts and foundations. You can find the template here.

6. Do I have to build 13 Houses or can I do something different?

The 13 Houses are an inspiration, not a formula. We understand that the projects will look different in each country according to the local community’s needs and may not always involve the construction of new or improved housing. But whatever form it takes, it should be a local, practical response with a long-term view addressing the issue of homelessness. 13 Houses projects should also consider how local, national and global collaboration could help to realize the project.

To find out more about the kind of 13 Houses projects that are currently being developed here.

7. What other ways are there to get involved?

There are many different ways in which you can get involved in the 13 Houses Campaign. Any help is greatly appreciated as we can only achieve our aims if we all come together. For example, you can help us by supporting the Solidarity Fund, by volunteering your expertise or by becoming an advocate for change. You can read more about how you can support us here and help us to end homelessness one house at a time.

    8. How can I share my story?

    The FHA is very proud of the amazing range of projects happening everyday across the entire Vincentian Family and would love to let the world know about what you do. If you want to tell people about a project you are currently managing or a project you are planning to do in the future, please do get in touch with us via homeless@famvin.org. We would be very happy to write about your work and publish it on our blog and social media.

    9. Is there a newsletter?

    Yes. A newsletter to update you on everything around the Famvin Homeless Alliance and 13 Houses Campaign is sent out twice a year. You can subscribe here.