The first soup kitchen/ night shelter was inaugurated in 2016. Dar Papa Franġisku provides meals and temporary shelter for persons in crisis. The Birkirkara home is run by a partnership which includes The Alfred Mizzi Foundation, the Government and Caritas Malta., who together form ‘Fondazzjoni Dar il-Hena’ and operate two more shelters in Birkirkara and San Gwann.

Julian Sammut, Chairperson of The Alfred Mizzi Foundation said that the idea behind Dar Papa Franġisku was initiated in 2015, on the 100th anniversary since the foundation of the Alf. Mizzi & Sons Company.

“We provide our customers with a tasty and well balanced meal everyday, and a warm, comfortable bed at night”, Mr Sammut said. “At Dar Papa Franġisku, many lonely people find companionship and a place to feel at home.”