Association A Casa do Caminho (The House in the Path) was founded within the deep solidarity feeling towards children at risk. It was the common feeling of three friends, working as volunteers, that created the house in the path, haven where the energies of both body and soul are restored as if to start the long walk that each and every single child has throughout their lives.

On October 11, 1988, A Casa do Caminho was created as an association and was registered at the 8th Registry Office of Oporto.
After being in two temporary places, where 10 and then 20 children were sheltered since 1997 A Casa do Caminho has its own facilities and capability to lodge 60 children.

In 1992, A Casa do Caminho received the award 1st Unity of Infant Emergency of the North. It started to have an active role in supporting children at risk, aiming to involve all the community in their protection and to call the attention from responsible parties – State, Institutions, Social Media, Political, Religious and Social groups, and the common citizen – under the motto “All children need lap!”

In 2002, the social activities undertaken by A Casa do Caminho were considered of Higher Social Interest thus donations are now taxable under Patronage status. Throughout these 30 years Association A Casa do Caminho sheltered, cared and protected 788* children. From these, 682* were reintegrated in their original families (close relatives or not) or were placed in a new adoptive family.