Franciscan Friars in Philadelphia saw that many people struggled with homelessness, drug addiction, abuse, and other concerns, but the one thing most of them had in common was a lack of food. This need is what inspired three of these friars to found the St. Francis Inn as a way to address the food security issue for people experiencing poverty in Philadelphia. Their soup kitchen has managed to serve a meal to the people of the Kensington community in North Philadelphia every day for the past 45 years, serving hundreds of people every day and providing meals and hospitality 365 days a year. Food is essential to their mission, but so is the dignity of their guests. Each guest receives the dignity and respect they deserve in a restaurant-style dining room where they can socialize, share a meal with friends, and experience community in a safe and peaceful environment.
As part of its focus on dignity, the Inn also offers job application and resume assistance to all those seeking employment, in addition to providing essential social work resources to its community. Through the “Marie’s Closet Ministry,” they can give those in need clothing and other items that can make all the difference in someone’s life, to help them get back on their feet. St. Francis of Assisi parish in Raleigh partners with the St. Francis Inn and offers its parishioners the opportunity to travel to the Inn in support of that mission.
As Diana Melo, co-coordinator of the ministry here with her husband Pablo Cantu, says, “Our ministry organizes weeklong mission trips to St Francis Inn. SFA volunteers participate in the preparation of hot meals during the day, as well as serve the hungry and homeless during the daily dinner.”Participating in the meal is a significant part of helping at the Inn and building community and fellowship. “One of the best things about volunteering at St Francis Inn,” she adds, “ is that you get to try different things every day. Your serving experience will consist of helping prepare and cook the daily meal for the guests, unpacking and organizing donations, working for Marie’s Closet, or even going out into the city to pick up any donations.”
St. Francis of Assisi parish’s delegations usually consist of five to six parishioners. Delegates serve at the Inn from Monday through Friday. “The jobs you may perform include any roles in this bustling, faith-filled, and fun environment,” says Diana. “No matter what you do during the day, one constant is that we start and end our day in the presence of Jesus by taking time to pray and have Mass in the chapel.”
To preserve the Franciscan focus on community life and living in solidarity with the guests throughout the serving experience, delegates are housed directly across the street from St. Francis Inn. “You will stay in a two-story apartment that rests above our clothing distribution center, Marie’s Closet, and will have a great view of the L train,” says Diana with a smile. The accommodations are comfortable, and the apartment comes fully equipped with a kitchen, two bathrooms, laundry, and three bedrooms with a total of 10 beds, which only adds to the sense of community.
If you are interested in joining one of these trips, or would just like to learn more, please email Diana Melo at melo.diana@gmail.com or text or call Pablo Cantu at (919) 475-9942. We would appreciate anyone available to volunteer for this life-changing experience! Our current confirmed trip schedule is:
- Oct 20-24, 2025
- Feb 16-20, 2026
- Apr 13-17, 2026
- Jul 6-10, 2026 (Youth trip)
- Oct 19-23, 2026