11-11-11 marked the realization of a dream for Bahay Tuluyan with the opening of 'A Home of Our Own' in Manila, the first time the organization has had a place to call its own after providing a home for thousands of Filipino children over nearly 25 years.

The biggest project that Bahay Tuluyan has ever undertaken, the campaign to have 'A Home of Our Own' began in April 2008.  Through the generosity of the Planet Wheeler Foundation, Bahay Tuluyan was able to secure a piece of land in December 2008 and fundraising to build the new center was commenced.  The project to raise the funds to build a home for children was an international team effort, involving people from all walks of life, from school children to big banks, educational institutions to community groups.  Construction was commenced in September 2010 with the building officially opened on 11-11-11.

Bahay Tuluyan's center in Manila is composed of three parts:

Sinag Center:  

An emergency and short term shelterfor up to 24 children in need of    special protection at any one time

Drop In Center:

A place where children living or working on the street can take a bath, play, rest, eat and access social services.  Including 'Clare's Classroom', a bridge classroom for out-of-school street children to transition back into formal education.

Makabata Guesthouse & Cafe

A social enterprise and youth training program which includes a cafe, guest accommodation and function rooms.  The guesthouse and cafe serves as a training center for young people where they gain valuable skills as part of our Independent Living Skills program while at the same time generating income to sustain Bahay Tuluyan.

The center was blessed and opened, amongst much fanfare, by representatives of the major donors, local government and the children who will use the building.  It is expected that 50,000 children will benefit directly from the building over the next 10 years.

You can check out the video below for more information.