Group launches campaign to honor Pope Francis, address poverty

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- A group of religious and civic leaders launched a campaign to honor the Pope's visit this September.

Project Home and the World Meeting of Families unveiled the "Mercy and Justice Initiative."

It includes "The Francis Fund," a short-term funding campaign to address homelessness, hunger and poverty in the Philadelphia and Camden region.

Nearly 50 organizations and ministries will receive financial support from "The Francis Fund."

The fund will close at the end of the Pope's visit to the United States.

Donations will be distributed on October 4, 2015, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

The initiative also includes "The Act for Justice Campaign."

The group will reach out to Congress, urging a national response to the crisis of poverty.

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Click here to donate to the Francis Fund