Where am I putting my head down to sleep tonight? It is hard to believe that more than 100 million people across the globe cannot answer that question every day. Homelessness can happen to anyone and takes on many different forms, requiring an equally diverse set of solutions. It can come from the loss of a spouse or a job, a major illness, a political upheaval, persecution or just a gradual fall from connections with family and friends.
Living in a major city opens one’s eyes to see what homelessness really looks like. Each day on nearly every street in Chicago, we witness the challenges of the homeless struggling to make it through one more day. The heartbreak of homelessness is only intensified when you realize a staggering 2.5 million children are homeless in the United States, resulting in lifelong issues stemming from lack of food, security and access to education.
While very few of us have the ability to literally open the doors of our own homes to give shelter to the homeless, we all have the ability to help create places for homeless and hungry as well as provide many of the amenities associated with “home.” We also need to keep in mind that “charity begins at home.” The family is key to ensuring there are places for members of your family to lean on when facing a life challenge – the elderly, the sick, the lost, the poor, the disabled, the lonely.
The Act of Mercy “Harbor the Homeless” is also known as “Welcome the Stranger.” While homelessness is often driven by economic issues – an unbalance of a person or family’s wages and access to affordable housing – there is also a profound spiritual issue facing many people as well, a profound lack of hospitality.
But this concept of hospitality is more than entertaining friends. The Greek word for hospitality offers a deeper look at the Biblical definition revealing a two-part translation of “love” (think brotherly love) and “stranger/immigrant.” Consider the many ways you can reach out to a stranger, a new neighbor or parishioner, someone who is suffering in loneliness. Think beyond our borders - how can you help vulnerable refugees fleeing for their lives to find a new home and life for themselves and their families?
- Watch videos to learn more about homelessness – check out Rethink Homelessness
- Read Pope Francis’ No Excuse for Homelessness speech to Catholic Charities
- Read about one person’s journey to help the homeless Mercy in the City
- Volunteer for Holy Name’s Ministry of Hospitality contact Fr. Brad Zamora
- Stop and talk to a homeless person – shake their hand and introduce yourself
- Volunteer at a homeless shelter like Pacific Garden Mission
- Prayerfully reflect on how someone in your family is struggling with home – what can you do to help?
- Live and volunteer with Franciscan Outreach (one-year) to help the homeless
- Welcome our new Pastor Fr. Greg Sakowicz after masses on July 2/3 & 9/10
- Learn about U.S. Catholic Support for Resettlement for immigrants & refugees
- Reach out to Holy Name’s Volunteer Community to help out with the September New Parishioner Reception
- Help Catholic Charities pack Blessing Bags with basic necessities for the homeless
- Volunteer or bake for HNC’s Thursday/Friday Night Suppers @ Catholic Charities – Call Fr. Boivin 312-787-8040
- Participate in Holy Name’s upcoming clothing drive on July 23/24
- Reach out to a new neighbor or someone living on your floor you don’t know
- Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity
- Learn how you can help with Syrian refugee crisis Catholic Relief Services
Lori Doyle and Gabi Schultz are members of the Parish Pastoral Council, active with a variety of Liturgical Ministries as Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers, Cathedral Altar Servers and Ministers of Care at Prentice Hospital/NW Hospital. Both parishioners for about 6 years, Lori loves to travel and cook and is a proud mother of her son John, a UM Wolverine. Gabi enjoys trying new restaurants, running, cooking lessons and spending time with friends and family.
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