THE PHILIPPINES
Young street children in the Philippines are easy victims of crime and abuse. The Half-Way Home for Boys keeps them safe from the constant dangers they face, especially after dark.
Missionhurst missionary Fr. Gerardo Costa has spent many years working with the country’s marginalized street children. In the northern part of the Philippines, male children between the ages of 6 and 12 make up more than half of the individuals admitted into residential facilities. The reasons range from abuse, abandonment, or family economic difficulties to separation or death of the parents. Often these children are forced to live on the streets because their families assume boys are stronger and more resilient. Existing residential centers have an average capacity of 30-40 beds, which are far fewer than the number needed. To help cope with the overflow, Fr. Gerardo decided to start a Half-Way Home for Boys, which would provide not only for the basic physical needs of these abused and neglected children, but also for their emotional and psychological care.
Thanks to the generosity of our friends, the Half-Way Home for Boys is now fully operational, providing a full range of services not only to the boys, but also to their families. In addition, the Home coordinates long-term solutions through other organizations, residential centers, and professionals, with the goal of helping the boys resume their place as members of their community.