“Houseless” Persons

Ministry with houseless persons could involve many services depending on the needs of your community including a thrift store, financial assistance to those in need, a food pantry and meal distribution. Initially, the Houseless ministry team educates the parish on the extent of the social issue in our area and plans how to reach out and help those in need. Some parishes make bags filled with toiletries and food items as well as a list of resources in the community to give to the most needy in the community.  Other initiatives include blanket and sock drives, visits to and volunteering at shelters, and working with community agencies to see how best to assist them in their work with the houseless people in our area.

St. Anthony of Padua Outreach Center, Kailua, Oahu

 St. Anthony of Padua, on the island of Oahu, maintains a thrift store and food distribution program that is open 4 days a week. The parish also participates in an interfaith organization called the Family Promise Program as part of the Windward network, and they host homeless families 4 times a year, for week-long stays. For more about St. Anthony’s outreach program, please visit the parish website.

Houseless outreach could involve many services depending on the needs of your community including a thrift store, financial assistance to those in need, a food pantry and meal distribution. Initially, the Houseless ministry team educates the parish on the extent of those without shelter in our area and plans how to reach out and help those in need. Some parishes make bags filled with toiletries and food items as well as a list of resources in the community. Other initiatives include blanket and sock drives, visits to and volunteering at shelters, and working with community agencies to see how best to assist them in their work with the houseless people in our area.