- Our objective is reached. As of now, 10,318 people across the world have been reached and housed via projects of the 13 Houses Campaign. 100%
Countries
Projects
Houses
People helped
The 13 Houses Campaign is a Famvin Homeless Alliance initiative and aims to improve and transform the lives of 10,000 homeless people around the world in 3-5 years from 2018. More than that, we want to see 13 Houses projects in each of the 156 countries where the Vincentian Family works!
It started when Vincent was assigned the equivalent of one million dollars by Louis XIII as an endowment for his Congregation’s mission in 1643. Vincent chose to use the money to build 13 small houses close to Saint-Lazare, the motherhouse of the Congregation of the Mission, to care for abandoned children. The ongoing costs of these houses were supported by the Ladies of Charity while the Daughters of Charity cared for the children. By working together the Vincentian Family helped thousands of children who would have otherwise died on the streets.
But this Vincentian partnership did so much more for homeless people. It delivered aid to displaced people in the war zone of Alsace Lorraine and supported and housed refugees fleeing from the battle zone. It provided the Name of Jesus Hospice in 1652 to shelter, clothe, feed and train older people living on the streets or in the slums of Paris. It was responsible for the launch of Les Petites Ecoles (the little schools) that brought the gifts of literacy, numeracy and education to the poor – enabling them to escape the inter-generational poverty that so often ended in homelessness.
We were inspired by Vincent’s 13 houses. He saw a need and responded with concrete action. Today, we are confronted with the same problems that Vincent faced, but on a global scale. Of the 7 billion people on this planet almost 1.2 billion are homeless – they have been displaced, live in slums or on the streets of our cities. Many of them are turned away in their greatest time of need – a stark reminder of those words that dampen the joy of Luke’s infancy narrative: “There was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
The 13 Houses Campaign has been created in response to this reality; learning and borrowing from the work of St Vincent himself.
Download our 13 Houses Booklet to learn more about the Campaign in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish or Chinese (Simplified and Traditional).
Get involved!!
Help us end homelessness – One house at a time.
News and updates
What is happening in 2025?
Dear Vincentian friends, we at the Famvin Homeless Alliance (FHA) extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you! Since November 2018, due in great part to the support and involvement of your members, the worldwide Vincentian Family has transformed the lives of...
A desire to help and transform the lives of the poorest
Elspeth Robinson’s testimony from Kumi Community Foundation, UgandaIn 2002, after being made redundant from St John of God Hospital in Scorton, North Yorkshire, I found myself on a life-changing journey to Kumi Hospital in eastern Uganda. This visit marked the...
A new beginning for families affected by the Fuego Volcano eruption in Guatemala
On May 1, 2024, a significant milestone was reached as 32 families affected by the devastating Fuego Volcano eruption in Guatemala received the deeds to their new homes. This initiative is part of the “13 Houses” Campaign, an international Vincentian Family project...
The Mission of the Vincentian Family in Ukraine
In Ukraine, we are living through the third year of war. During the first year, people experienced a desire to help, and the confidence that the conflict would soon end. However, as time has passed, the situation has changed: now a terrifying insecurity creeps into...
The Vincentian Family of the Southern Region of Brazil & the Manila Conference – Philippines
Inspired by the rich discussions at the FHA Conference in Manila to empower individuals and communities in slums, a local gathering of the Vincentian Family convened in Curitiba, Brazil, where the “13 Houses” project called "Dignified Housing" has been providing homes...
Dreams built, futures secured: microcredit innovation in India
In the heart of rural Odisha, where most Christian families live in secluded villages, a quiet struggle unfolds within the simple mud houses topped with thatched roofs. Here, a story of resilience and hope emerges. It's about eleven families who once faced inadequate...
Rising from the ruins: thirteen ‘model’ houses to rebuild hope in the Philippines
After Typhoon Odette caused widespread destruction in the Philippines in December 2021, the Vincentian Foundation, in partnership with other Vincentian branches, embarked on a mission to bring hope and resilience to communities devastated by the disaster. As soon as...
10,000 people housed through Vincentian Family global campaign to end homelessness
Five years ago, a small flame of hope ignited in Little Rock, USA, as the first house of the 13 Houses Campaign was built. We couldn't imagine that, five years later, this flame of charity would spread across 64 countries, transforming the lives of 10,000 people....
Addressing homelessness across Brazil: a joint Vincentian effort
As we remember October 17th’s Eradication of Poverty Day – a day of global significance – we would like to reflect on the plight of those struggling with homelessness in Brazil. Given its large size, Brazil faces a serious homelessness challenge that requires a united...
St Vincent de Paul’s enduring legacy: solidarity and service in a world of need
Water, medicine, food, a roof over one's head. These are essential resources that many people around the world still do not have access to, and these shortages tell stories of suffering that unfortunately repeat themselves. Recent events, such as the devastating...
The “13 Houses” Campaign keeps growing: more lives transformed across Africa
Homelessness and poverty continue to be pressing issues. However, the Vincentian Family's dedication and love for people experiencing homelessness is making a significant impact, spreading its reach to multiple countries and touching the lives of many people in need....
Favor, survivor of human trafficking, talks about her sad experience
Testimony from a survivor of human trafficking assisted by the Daughters of Charity, Kumasi If you feel able to share, how and when did you first become involved with the traffickers? My name is Favor, I am 16 years old. I got involved with my trafficker on...
How to get involved
Create a 13 Houses project
No matter how big or small – any idea could eventually turn into a 13 Houses project. If you have seen people in your community experiencing some form of homelessness, we invite you to reflect on that archetypal Vincentian question: What must be done?
Bring your ideas to paper and talk about it with other groups within the Vincentian Family and/or partners that can help to make the idea a reality. You can use our Project Development Tool to help you structure your thoughts and assess what needs to be done. This might be taking your project to the next level or creating an entirely new one.
The 13 Houses Campaign encourages global collaboration across the Vincentian Family so think about how that might help you. For example, you may need support to “market” your project to a broader audience, or write up a realistic budget. It may be the first time you are working to help a specific group of people, or the first time to develop a housing project. The Vincentian Family has a wealth of expertise in all of these areas and there could be people in other countries able to share their experiences of similar projects with you.
The FHA is in place to link you up and to support you along the way so please get in touch with any questions you may have – we are always happy to help!
Solidarity Fund
Give to the Solidarity Fund
The Solidarity Fund has been set up to support poorer countries and branches to receive vital funds needed for them to realize their 13 Houses projects. By donating money to the Solidarity Fund, you help us to offer financial assistance to the countries and branches that need it most; it is held and distributed by the Congregation of the Mission International Fund.
Our ability to provide funds for specific projects depends entirely on the generosity of Vincentian Family members and groups, and we are hence incredibly grateful for any gifts.
If you would like to support the Solidarity Fund, please contact us on fha.info@famvin.org
Apply for a grant
Thank you for your involvement in the 13 Houses Campaign and for your interest in applying to the Solidarity Fund.
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 receive further information on the Solidarity Fund and an application form, please contact fha.info[a]famvin.org
We also have a step-by-step guide for applying to other Trust and Foundations here.
Volunteer your expertise
If you have in-depth knowledge in a specific field, why not make that expertise available to the wider Vincentian Family? Many individuals, groups and branches have big ideas but lack the resources to bring them to life. Your expertise might be exactly what is needed and could help to bring a 13 Houses project to the next level. Get in touch with the FHA to let us know about your professional background and we will let you know when we think a Vincentian in another country could benefit from your skillset.
To make your expertise available, please contact fha.info@famvin.org
Resources
Click to download:
13 Houses Booklet in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish or Chinese (Simplified and Traditional).
13 Houses Handbook in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French
Fundraising Step-by-step Guide
