Who we are

The Ministry of Caring is a vibrant community of staff, volunteers, donors, and diverse supporters united by a passion to serve the poor. Together, we gladly give of ourselves to fulfill the vision of our founder and executive director, Brother Ronald Giannone, OFM Cap., “the poor should never be treated poorly.”

To learn more about us, click here >> Who we are

The Ministry grows to prevent seniors’ homelessness

The Ministry of Caring, serving the poor since 1977, literally is building again to reduce the very real risk of homelessness in the growing ranks of lower-income seniors.

We began to create safe, affordable senior housing 25 years ago with what’s now Sacred Heart Village I, followed by Sacred Heart Village II in 2017 and Village of St. John in 2019. Now, they’re all full and the waiting lists have of hundreds of seniors. Knowing that the crisis-level shortage of affordable housing is the greatest cause of seniors becoming homeless, we have begun the boldest move in our 49-year history. We are working to create two new senior villages in Wilmington at the same time. The Village of Francis & Clare, shown at left, will be our first high-rise. Below are
before and after pictures of Villa Maria, well under construction to transform a blighted city block into senior apartments.

We profoundly appreciate the support and warm welcome by both sites’ neighbors and the generosity of financial supporters as we continue to seek grants and angel donors toward our dual effort’s massive costs. At the same time, we are grappling with record costs – from food to utilities – to keep operating our 18 programs designed to lift the poor toward self-sufficient living while renewing their hope for the future. On behalf of those we already serve and those we will in the future, we humbly ask for you to please consider making an urgently needed donation in any amount. As Ministry Founder & Executive Director Brother Ronald Giannone, OFM Cap., says, “No donation is ever too small.”