Villanova University Volunteers Join Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia to Launch Pope Leo Village, a Faith Inspired Housing Initiative in North Philadelphia

Villanova, Pa. (April 13, 2026)-Rooted in its Augustinian Catholic mission and enduring commitment to service, Villanova University will join Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia on Saturday, April 18, in Habitat's launch of Pope Leo Village, a new faith-inspired, multi-year housing and volunteer engagement initiative that will expand affordable homeownership opportunities in North Philadelphia.

Pope Leo Village, named in honor of Pope Leo XIV-an Augustinian friar and Villanova alumnus-will be formally introduced during the volunteer build day at an active home rehabilitation site in North Philadelphia's Brewerytown neighborhood. Students from Villanova will work alongside Habitat Philadelphia staff, and community members in support of local families seeking safe and affordable housing.

During the ceremony, University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, will offer remarks and a blessing of a home currently under renovation. A Villanova student volunteer will also lead a litany of dedication, highlighting the initiative's emphasis on faith-rooted service and reflection.

"Villanova's Augustinian Catholic tradition calls us to unite faith, learning and service in pursuit of the common good," said Father Donohue. "Pope Leo Village gives our community the opportunity to live that mission in a tangible way-working alongside neighbors and Habitat to help build homes, dignity and hope."

Villanova's partnership with Habitat for Humanity spans more than three decades and reflects the University's broader mission to foster compassionate leadership, ethical responsibility and service to others through experiential learning and community engagement.

The Pope Leo Village initiative is supported by an anonymous donor who was inspired by Pope Leo XIV's vision and commitment to social justice. The donor partnered with Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the country to open doors of opportunity alongside families in need of a decent place to live.

Through Pope Leo Village, 20 Habitat for Humanity affiliates nationwide have already committed to building more than 235 affordable homes. Locally, the initiative will focus attention to communities in Lower North Philadelphia-including the Sharswood and Brewerytown neighborhoods-and will create 26 homeownership units through a combination of gut rehabs and new multifamily construction.

For more information about Pope Leo Village or to get involved, visit https://www.habitatphiladelphia.org/pope-leo.

About Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia transforms lives and our city by building and repairing quality homes in partnership with families in need and by uniting all Philadelphians around the cause of affordable housing. Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia has built or sold 287 energy-efficient homes to first-time home buyers. Since 2011, Habitat Philadelphia has served more than 1,200 households through its critical home repairs program. For more information, visit www.habitatphiladelphia.org.

About Villanova University
Since 1842, Villanova University's Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges-the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation's top universities, Villanova supports its students' intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.