There are places - especially in the most vulnerable suburbs - that become much more than just physical spaces: they serve as daily hubs for listening, welcoming, and building relationships. In communities marked by economic and social hardship, a lack of access to services, and limited opportunities, these community centers help combat isolation and strengthen a sense of community. This is the case of the Parish of Sant’Eligio, located in Villaggio Prenestino, on the far eastern outskirts of Rome. In an area marked by widespread vulnerability, the presence of low-income families, and conditions of severe marginalization, the parish has for years served as a place of closeness and support. It was here, in 2020, that a Multipurpose Center was established, which over time has become a hub for social and educational activities aimed at the local community. Today, the Center offers shelter to the homeless, a Caritas counseling center for practical assistance, distribution of food and clothing, a family counseling center with parenting support and psychological counseling services, socialization spaces for the elderly, and sports areas dedicated to children and youth, including soccer, volleyball, and basketball courts. Through the “Roots and Future” project, the Parish of Sant’Eligio aims to renovate the interior and exterior areas of the parish and the Multipurpose Center, making the spaces fully accessible, more functional for educational, parish, and hospitality activities, and better equipped to support existing services. The planned work includes repaving the Multipurpose Center, renovating the church and landscaping the outdoor area, upgrading the housing units intended to accommodate families in need, building changing rooms with restrooms to improve the use of the soccer field, and installing a solar power system to make the facility energy-independent. Our contribution specifically supports a key part of this redevelopment project: the repaving of the Multipurpose Center and the construction of changing rooms with associated restrooms. This support helps make the spaces more accessible, safe, and functional, strengthening the Center’s ability to welcome, support, and offer opportunities for connection, growth, and inclusion to the community. Details Location: Rome Organization: Parish of Sant’Eligio Contribution: 63,000 euros Beneficiaries: the entire local community Period: December 2025 – December 2026
