Missione di Speranza e Carità is a community-based organisation founded in 1991 by lay missionary Biagio Conte under the porticoes of Palermo Central Station, where he began assisting people experiencing poverty and homelessness.1 Its work centres on welcoming people facing social exclusion, including homeless people, migrants and refugees, people recovering from addiction, former prisoners, and women in vulnerable circumstances.1
The Mission reports that it operates nine communities in Palermo and the surrounding province, providing accommodation for men and for women, including mothers with children.1 Three principal communities are listed at Via Archirafi 31, Via Garibaldi 3 and Via Decollati 29 in Palermo.1 Beyond these residential sites, the organisation describes agricultural activities in Palermo, Tagliavia near Corleone and Scopello, as well as a children’s summer camp at Giacalone; it also mentions sites under reconstruction at Monte Innici and in Enna province.1
Residents can stay until they find housing, with no fixed limit on the length of their stay.1 The communities provide meals—three per day—as well as medical and pharmaceutical assistance, showers and clothing support.1 The work is carried out by missionaries, residents, novices and volunteers.1 After Biagio Conte’s death, leadership passed to co-founder and spiritual guide Don Pino Vitrano, according to the organisation’s website.2
Its stated geographic scope is local: its accommodation and related activities are based in Palermo and nearby parts of Sicily.1