A Haven of Hope
for over 215 Years
A celebration of Charity and Mission of the Daughters of Charity
Who We Are
Hospicio de San Jose is the first social welfare institution in the Philippines. It was established in 1810, originally as a home for the homeless (now the persons in street dwelling situations), and has thrived and evolved over the years.
At present, we have programs for the surrendered, abandoned and neglected children, older persons, persons with special needs, and persons in crisis, including but not limited to the victim-survivors of abuse and human trafficking, persons in street dwelling situations, and internally displaced persons.
What We Care For!
Child and Youth Welfare and Development Program
Program for Older Persons
Program for Persons with Special Needs
Crisis Intervention Program - Tahan
Crisis Intervention Program - Sanctuary
Crisis Intervention Program - Food for Life
Impact Stories
From Victim to Survivor
The Crisis Intervention Program-Sanctuary started in 2012. Since then, it served as a Sanctuary for 326 Victim-Survivors of different forms of abuse and exploitation, mostly sexual abuse. While in the institution, basic needs, psychosocial support, and legal assistance are provided to help them recover from the abuse that they have experienced
From Love to Love
As one of the pioneer programs of the institution, the Child and Youth Welfare and Development Program, Hospicio de San Jose has been a home to thousands of children since 1810. One of the components of this program is the Adoption Services.
From Streets to Homes
Under the Crisis Intervention Program – Food for Life, 8 families successfully transitioned from living in the streets to having their own homes. In 2012, Hospicio de San Jose started the Food for Life Program for Persons/Families in Street Dwelling Situations (PSDS).
From Streets to Homes
Under the Crisis Intervention Program – Food for Life, 8 families successfully transitioned from living in the streets to having their own homes. In 2012, Hospicio de San Jose started the Food for Life Program for Persons/Families in Street Dwelling Situations (PSDS).
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Initially, it provided feeding and formation for the PSDS. In 2017, it expanded its services to the provision of Transitory Home, a temporary shelter for families where they were provided with basic skills in home and budget management, skills training and job opportunities, and educational support for the children. In 2021, eight families who were fully prepared to be independent, were awarded with their own homes through the National Housing Authority. At present these families continue to thrive and faithfully work on improving their situations. Eight families off the streets, a small percentage compared to the number of persons in street situations in the Philippines, but for the eight families, it is their greatest achievement, a leap away from homelessness.
“I grew up living in a pushcart, my father was a scavenger. Through Hospicio de San Jose, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work and to have a home. We have a place to live, my kids can study, I have a steady job, and we no longer have to scavenge in the garbage. I can buy my children clothes and we have food to eat. My dream now is for my children to finish studying. I want to give them a good future and I will send them to school for as long as I have the strength to work.” Angelito, 43 years old, a husband and a father of five daughters.
From Love to Love
As one of the pioneer programs of the institution, the Child and Youth Welfare Development Program, Hospicio has been a home to thousands of children since 1810. One of the components of this is the Adoption Services.
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Recognizing the vital role of families in the lives of the children, especially in supporting optimum development, Hospicio tries its best to preserve or strengthen families as much as possible. Support services are provided in the efforts to keep the family intact and functional. If not possible, other alternative parental care such as kinship care, adoption, or foster care are explored. In the past 20 years, 255 children found their new homes with their adoptive families, local or inter-country. From their loving home-Hospicio to their loving homes with their adoptive families. From Love to Love.
“Living in Hospicio enabled us to continue our education and we made lifelong friends and memories. I was able to enjoy my childhood without having to worry about where my next meal was coming from. Many of our caretakers were very understanding and loving. The Sisters were also very nice and they taught us many things. The social workers were very considerate and looked hard for someone to adopt us. Our integration to our adoptive families went easy as they were very welcoming and loving. I’m really grateful to all the people who helped us get adopted and happy to have a good home.” Angie, adopted in 2011 along with her 2 siblings.
From Victim to Survivor
The Crisis Intervention Program-Sanctuary started in 2012. Since then, 326 victims of different forms of abuse and exploitation, mostly sexual abuse. While in the institution, basic needs, psychosocial support, and legal assistance are provided to help them recover from the abuse that they have experienced.
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In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the rise of cases of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children. Hospicio took under its protective custody 60 individuals, mostly children and sibling groups, who were exploited. Safety and assurance that revictimization will not happen is the primary concern for this group and we still try our best to look for a family or family-like environment for them to grow in, especially the children, as much as possible. For adults, we help them find their way towards safety and independence. To transition from victims to survivors is a long journey and Hospicio commits to accompanying them.
“I was brought to Hospicio 5 years ago after my step-father abused me and my mother did not believe me when I told them. That experience was truly devastating but what made it worse was the fact that I would leave our home and go to an institution. As I stayed in Hospicio, life was not easy but the Sisters, staff and my dormmates helped me cope. Over the years, while I really wanted to be reunited with my sisters, I hesitated leaving Hospicio knowing that my sisters would not be able to send me to school. Last year, my sisters were finally prepared and Hospicio continued to support my studies. I am now in college and studying hard so that I can reach my dreams. My step-father is paying for his crime as he serves his sentence in jail. Thank you so much Hospicio de San Jose for taking care of me and helping me survive and thrive from the traumatic experiences that I had.” Jan, 18 years old, survivor of sexual abuse.
