Having a place to live in Minnesota is a big deal. It is not easy to live on the street during the winter especially when it gets to minus 40 with the wind chill. As Catholics living out the Corporal Works of Mercy, we are called to shelter the homeless. One great organization at helping with this is Habitat for Humanity. One of the things I like about the organization is that they have the family help build the home. They aren’t just given the home, they are expected to do some work. It really respects the dignity of the person. We should do what we can to help those in need of shelter. God is calling us to live out these Corporal Works of Mercy. Can we do our part to make sure people in the world have a safe and decent place to live?
SHELTER THE HOMELESS
There are many circumstances that could lead to someone becoming a person without a home. Christ encourages us to go out and meet those without homes, affirming their worth and helping them seek a resolution to the challenges they face.
- See if your parish or diocese is involved with a local homeless shelter and volunteer some time.
- Donate time or money to organizations that build homes for those who need shelter.
- Many homeless shelters need warm blankets for their beds. If you can knit or sew that would be an extra loving gift.
- There are millions of children and families who are on the move, fleeing from war, illness, hunger and impossible living conditions, and searching for peace and safety. Engage parish groups of children, youth, young adults, and families in doing some research on the causes and challenges that these families face to survive. Contact Catholic Social Services, or diocesan offices of peace and justice for help with your research. Seek ways to provide shelter for the homeless locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.
Excerpt of USCCB.org
Fr. Thomas P. Galarneault