From the streets to stable offices. This transformative journey reflects the vision of Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation’s founder and president, 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Fr. Flavie L. Villanueva, SVD. Batch 11 of the Kalinga Center’s Beneficiary Volunteers (BeVolts)—formerly homeless individuals—graduate after nine months of intensive training at the Catholic Trade Building in Tayuman, Manila.
Photo: Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation
Established in 2015, the Kalinga Center provides homeless individuals with showers, buffet meals, and dignity. It was inaugurated by then Archbishop of Manila, His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.
In 2017, Fr. Flavie launched the Beneficiary Volunteer Program to go further, empowering participants through nine months of training, including the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS). Graduates secure employment with partner organizations and rebuild their lives.
As Beneficiary Volunteers, or BeVolts, participants are former homeless individuals who first received Kalinga’s services—meals, showers, clothing, and basic care—before choosing to “give back” by serving others still on the streets. They assist with various Kalinga Center activities, such as welcoming fellow beneficiaries, helping with bathing and meal times, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting formation sessions. Through this, they develop a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and leadership rooted in their lived experiences of homelessness.
Beyond service, BeVolts undergo regular values formation, life coaching, and spiritual guidance to help them heal from past wounds and rebuild confidence. They also participate in DepEd’s ALS and livelihood or skills training, preparing them for future employment and more stable lives. In this way, the Beneficiary Volunteer Program becomes a bridge—from receiving care, to serving others, to standing on their own with restored dignity and purpose.
Success story: meet John
John lived on Manila’s streets for 25 years. After graduating from the program in 2025, he now thrives as a maintenance staff member at PryceGas. His story proves that hope and opportunity can rewrite any life.
The graduation ceremony highlights the foundation’s impact on homelessness. These seven graduates are now employed and ready to rebuild their lives.
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