Poverello Charities Ontario

 

 

Fr. Joe MacDonald, Capuchin-Franciscan, Founder (1933-2018)

 

“A loving community is the most healing factor in our lives. The most needed thing that we need is love. We need to know that we belong, that we have a place; that people will miss us if we’re not around.”

 

Our four community homes for people with chronic mental illness are linked together on Berkeley Street in downtown Toronto: St. Clare House, St. Joseph House, St. Elizabeth House and St. Raphael House.

 

Together, the 15 residents of Poverello form one community of mutual support - working together, eating together, recreating together and praying together.

 

Irene O’Malley, long-time resident of Poverello

 

“I remember working with Fr. Joe in the Saturday night street mission. I remember coming home to Poverello at night and being so grateful for my bed.”