There is a modest street lined with row houses in Kensington, Philadelphia, ground zero for America’s opioid epidemic. There lives a group of Francian friars, who are doing what they can to help.
Every week Neumann University students join them at Saint Francis Inn to feed the people of the community. That experience is a unique one that is different for all who go on the trip.
“The experience was very new to me because my job was to serve. Originally there are different jobs in the place -- serving, busboy, making trays, and so on,” said Neumann student Kaitlin Villefrance, a psychology major
She also mentioned that other schools joined the Knights at Saint Franics Inn. “They have not only our school but schools around Pennsylvania volunteer in their place. Everyone is always assisting with each other’s tasks and there's always something to do,” she said.
The relationship between Neumann University and Saint Francis Inn goes back a long way, even before there was a director and office of service learning and community engagement, according to Megan Camp the current director of that office.
“In the 19 years that have been here we have worked with the Saint Francis Inn,” said Camp.
The university has been doing the trips since 2004. The relationship between the Sisters of St. Francis and Saint Francis Inn is a partnership. Neumann students go to the inn every Wednesday to help serve food, and there is transportation provided for six people.
The inn is run by Friars of Philadelphia and other clergy, staff, and volunteers. Franciscan Friars are a group of men inspired by the life of Saint Francis who take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and are dedicated to serving the poor.
The Saint Francis Inn was started by Franciscan Friars in the late 1970s and is committed to serving the homeless and poor community. The work that is done is community based.
“There are so many people experiencing food insecurity in Kensington and at St. Francis Inn … we prioritize preserving the dignity of our guests by treating them with love and respect,” said Kaitlin Fleck, volunteer and community engagement coordinator.
During breakfast about 150-200 people are fed and during dinner about 150-300 people are fed every day according to Fleck.
“Most of our food comes from donations from grocery stores. Philabundance is the largest food donation site in Philadelphia. They set us up with stores looking to donate slightly older food products. We receive most of our donations from BJs Wholesale, Acme Supermarket, Caring for Friends, and Giordanos meat packing. We also get individual donations, from churches or families, of canned goods and shelf staples.”
The donations are a visible part of the community and show the willingness to help feed the food insecure in the city.
“Neumann University has been bringing groups to volunteer with us for years. The students help out during our dinner services primarily serving and bussing tables, scooping food, doing dishes, and handing out goods to our guests.” Fleck said.
The relationship between Neumann and the Saint Francis Inn is one that has been around for a long time and one that continues to this day. The dedication to service and helping the needy is something that Neumann and the Inn have in common.