Norberto Carcello, C.M.

Rev. Norberto Carcellar, C.M.

Homeless People’s Federation Philippines represented by Rev. Norberto Carcellar, C.M., executive director, is an organization that has enabled squatters living on a sprawling garbage dump in Quezon City, Philippines, to create community savings and credit programs, purchase land, build housing and set up waste disposal and water distribution systems.

Google search on the Homeless People’s Federation Philippines

One finalist will be awarded $1 million and the other two finalists will each receive $100,000 for their organizations. The winner of the $1 million award will be announced after all three finalists arrive in Washington in early November. The 2007 Opus Prize officially will be presented at a ceremony Thursday, Nov. 8, at Catholic University’s Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center.

The Opus Prize Foundation partners with universities, which enables students to meet and interact with the recipients and learn firsthand about social entrepreneurship. The partnering universities are encouraged to integrate the Opus Prize conferral into their curricula. CUA will host a series of Opus Prize-related activities including films and presentations in the weeks and days prior to the dinner.

Established in 2004, the Opus Prize is a $1 million faith-based humanitarian award and two $100,000 awards given annually to recognize unsung heroes – either individuals or organizations – who are working to solve poverty, illiteracy, hunger, disease, injustice and other social issues. Opus Prize winners combine a driving entrepreneurial spirit with an abiding faith to combat today’s most persistent social problems. The Prize is awarded by the Opus Prize Foundation, a philanthropic organization affiliated with The Opus Group, and presented by a college or university giving recipients an opportunity to inspire the next generation. Opus Prize winners are anonymously selected and the Opus Prize Foundation does not accept unsolicited nominations. For more information, visit www.opusprize.org.