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Father Chuck's Challenge III

We are currently fundraising for phase three of Father Chuck’s Challenge. The project will improve the living conditions of the rural communities in El Hular and La Dalia, Nicaragua. One hundred families will receive new housing, sanitation facilities, and the supplies and resources necessary to raise chickens. Additionally residents will benefit from the construction of two community centers, the implementation of a water system, and reforestation development.

Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

History

In February 2007, a retired Philadelphia priest accepted an invitation from the nonprofit Food For The Poor to travel on a mission trip to Jamaica. Monsignor Francis X. Schmidt witnessed firsthand Food For The Poor’s assistance to those in greatest need: the homeless, abandoned sick children, and the disabled elderly.

Upon his return, Msgr. Schmidt felt moved by the Holy Spirit and assembled a group of supporters and began raising funds to build 100 homes and latrines in Nicaragua. The fundraising initiative for Father Pfeffer’s Village was named in memory of Father Chuck Pfeffer, a priest Msgr. Schmidt mentored.

“Father Chuck’s Challenge provides a constant reminder to all who knew him about the importance of addressing the needs of the poorest of the poor especially the young,” Msgr. Schmidt said. “We have expanded Father Chuck’s Challenge in Nicaragua. Secure, permanent homes are crucial to providing families with a new start in life.”

Twenty-seven members of the greater Philadelphia community traveled to Nicaragua with Msgr. Schmidt and Food For The Poor in May 2009 to dedicate two self-sustaining villages in La Rica, Nicaragua; Frances’ Village and Father Michael McGivney’s Village. The Holy Family health clinic and St. Eleanor health clinic were also inaugurated during the trip. When construction on the second phase of Father Chuck’s Challenge is complete, there will be a total of 200 new homes, latrines, a community center and projects for water, animal husbandry and agriculture.