Catholic Philadelphia Outreach brings difficult-to-come-by items directly to the doorsteps of those living in poverty in Philadelphia. We have delivered countless air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, microwaves, and other smaller appliances to residents. We have distributed infant formula, food, clothing, toys, furniture, and many other goods, and we look forward to receiving many more donations, as the needs are endless. CPO serves homeless shelters and housing projects as well as the “working poor”—people who are working but struggling to make ends meet, and who make just enough not to qualify for government assistance.

We develop “block captains” in different neighborhoods—those who are willing and able to tell us who they know on their block who is most in need of help, especially children, the elderly, the home bound, and those with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Most if not all of the homes we have visited are in need of basic appliances, and in the heat of the summer and freezing cold of the winter it becomes a dangerous situation for many of our neighbors. We recognize that even if they had the money to purchase some of these items, without a car there is no way for them to get the items to their doorstep. This is the gap that Catholic Philadelphia Outreach seeks to fill.

We have built professional collaborations with Woodstock Family Center, a homeless shelter for women and children, and Kailo Haven, a homeless shelter for men, both in North Philadelphia. We have received generous donations collected at our drives at Holy Martyrs Parish in Oreland, Ancillae-Assumpta Academy in Wyncote, Upper Dublin Golf and Fitness Club in Upper Dublin, and City Blue in Philadelphia, as well as through the generosity of individuals who use our Go Fund Me account that is dedicated to CPO.

In Fall 2014 we did a coat giveaway on the corner of Kensington and Allegheny, followed by a huge Christmas party for the kids at Woodstock Family Center a few days before Christmas. We then followed up with a 2015 Valentine’s Day “Love Drop”  at Kailo Haven in North Philadelphia.

We are devoted to identifying areas of greatest need in Philadelphia, creating lists through word of mouth and block captains, as well as to forming alliances with local churches and parishes who wish to partner with us by coordinating needs with our growing resources.

“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some people will hear today”. ― St. Francis of Assisi

All images © 2015 Catholic Philadelphia Outreach.