The Holy Spirit Social Center in Quezon City has long been a refuge for street families, providing essential services and a sense of community. Despite disruptions during the pandemic, the Center has resumed its mission, offering practical support and hope to people who depend on its care and outreach.
During the pandemic, the Center had to pause its regular programs and shift to distributing packed meals to the homeless wherever they were. It also provided temporary lodging for more than 10 homeless families and several health workers. The early mornings at the Holy Spirit Social Center are filled with the busy voices of men, women, and children, all from the streets of New Manila. As they register for admission, they chat as they wait in line for their turn. Sr. Patricia Pumihic, SSpS, the Center’s Coordinator, greets everyone like family—she knows nearly all of them, as they have been visiting for many years.
One of the Social Center’s long-time beneficiaries is Ms. Nelly Alcana, 61 years old, single, and without living relatives. She has been coming to the Center since it first opened. For a small income, she used to sell cigarettes and candies outside the train station. Between shifts, she would come to the Center to bathe, wash her clothes, and occasionally eat a freshly cooked meal. However, the pandemic in 2020 changed everything. “My visits to the Center were interrupted for five years,” Ms. Nelly recalls bitterly. “My small business stopped, and for a long time, I had to depend on charity aid from various organizations.” The strain of those years still shows in her eyes.
The Holy Spirit Social Center, located in Quezon City, Philippines, was established on January 9, 1970. Sr. Patricia, who manages the Center with a social worker, explains: “It was founded to uplift the economic, social, and spiritual conditions of the people by assisting and guiding them in developing their socio-economic resources, identifying and training local leaders, and fostering the growth of true Christian communities.” For decades, the Center has primarily served *Kariton* families—street families who move from place to place with all their belongings in wooden carts—in the streets of New Manila.
The walk-in services resumed in 2023. The Center is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., allowing street people to use its facilities. They can bathe, wash their clothes, and cook their own food. Some even stay to rest, lying on the floor while watching television. On Fridays, the Center provides freshly cooked meals, sometimes sponsored by groups or organizations.
Ms. Alcana is deeply grateful for the sisters and the services the Center provides. “The sisters can be firm and strict, but it helps us to be disciplined and considerate of others,” she shares. She is thankful for everyone involved in keeping the program running, adding, “Sana hindi mawala” I hope it does not disappear).
Sr. Katrina Villacorta, SSpS
Province of Philippines North
Ms. Nelly Alcana in front of the Holy Spirit Social Center’s entrance
The people spend time to wash their clothes at the laundry area of the Social Center.
Eating the meals at the dining area, they enjoy the food and the fellowship.
During the opening hours of the social center many people like to watch television while waiting for the meals.
Sr. Patricia (right) regularly form groups for exposure in the Social Center.
Sr. Patricia and some clients assembled.
The kariton of Ms. Nelly that contains all her belongings.
