Through the financial support of the Planning Authority, the Franciscan community had the opportunity to restore and rehabilitate an old refectory which lies within the convent of the Franciscan Friary in Ursula Street.
This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia, who explained that the works turned the place into a ‘Soup Kitchen’ – a place of hope for persons who live on the fringe of society.
Minister Farrugia said that the project received a financial grant of €303,000 from the Planning Authority through the Development Planning Fund (DPF), and is being administered by the Franciscan Order.
“Through this fund, the Authority is continuing to promote and invest in social projects in our communities. Recent reforms to the DPF seek to give rise to further green projects and encourage projects which improve quality of life. At the same time, social projects such as this one are just as important, and they are being financed by the same fund. Our vision for this fund is to invest in improved quality of life and the wellbeing of families, citizens and residents, not only through environmental projects, but also social ones,” Minister Farrugia said.
Besides offering these people a daily meal and other physical needs, the place will also provide such persons with support and care, especially for those suffering from mental health issues. Most importantly, the place seeks to give people who are marginalised by society the chance to regain their dignity.
The project includes the setting up of the main hall as a dining area, a kitchen for the preparation of the food, a small office, storage, a small laundry and public convenience facilities. Once open, the Soup Kitchen will operate three days a week, but will eventually expand its operations to five days a week.
Minister Farrugia explained that the Planning Development Fund receives financing from a few different sources, with on-street parking fees being the most significant among them. Planning gains make up a portion of the fund, whereby a developer of a sizable new development is asked to make a financial contribution. Additionally, a proportion of the revenue generated through applications for the regularisation of development is being directed to the fund. The contribution is allocated to the locality where the development permit has been granted, so as to be used on projects that improve community facilities and green areas.
Chairperson of the DPF Vincent Cassar said that, “This is a noble project, as we are not only giving funds to preserve a historical building but, thanks to Fr Marcellino and the Franciscan Order, we are offering dignity and a safe environment to people with different difficulties. This project continues to show the Authority’s commitment to supporting public community projects which seek to improve the social and community life of residents within any given locality.”
“Our goal is to provide dignity to every person who comes to visit this place, whoever it may be. Our purpose is to make our efforts to all those who ask us for help. We want to give them a voice, listen to their story, learn from their experiences without judging them and try to understand their needs,” project coordinator Fr Marcellino stated.
