An Authentic Catholic Response to Homelessness
Rooted in Faith. Driven by Dignity. Forming the Church.
|
A thought leadership summit uniting select Catholic leaders to reimagine an authentic Catholic response to homelessness through mission, mercy, and mobilization.
THE DREAMCatalyze a national catechetical movement where every Catholic is formed to defend the dignity of the poor and restore relationships at the heart of homelessness.
|
Contact Us
Why We GatheredThe Challenge
1. U.S. Catholics give generously abroad—but overlook the homeless at home. 2. The average person (and Christian) has ceded homelessness to the state. 3. Response to homelessness must be more relational than logistic. 4. Most Catholics don’t know how to help—so they don’t. |
|
Our Response
SOFESA convened 8 national Catholic leaders with 61+ years of experience to envision a Church that doesn't just serve the poor—but walks with them.
Who Was There
National Catholic Leaders Included:
Alan & Tricia GrahamMobile Loaves & Fishes
|
Eduardo Regal & Blake BrouilettChrist in the City
|
Sisters Maria Goretti & AzucenaSisters Poor of Jesus Christ
|
Andy ChurrayVagabond Missions
|
Michael DonaldsonArchdiocese of LA
|
Jess EcheverrySOFESA
|
Sponsored generously by the ACTA Foundation
What Emerged:
A Eucharistic Mission
Formation → Transformation:
From receiving sacraments to becoming living sacraments
|
From communityto communion.
|
From “doing for”to “being with.”
|
The poverty in the West is a poverty of loneliness and spirituality– Mother Teresa
|
|
Insights & Takeaways
Root CauseHomelessness is a breakdown in relationships, not just resources. |
Shift the LensWe’re not fixing problems—we’re accompanying people. |
Challenge the CultureRisk, busyness, and fear block true engagement. |
Walk With, Not PastRelationship-first models (e.g., food truck, walking routes) create trust |
Catholic Culture ReimaginedA parish that includes both the housed and homeless. |
What's Next
We're dreaming big–and building humbly
The Catholic Church reclaiming her place as front line missionaries to the poor.
The Catholic Church reclaiming her place as front line missionaries to the poor.
The Dream
Catalyze a national catechetical movement where every Catholic is formed to defend the dignity of the poor and restore relationships at the heart of homelessness.
Next steps for catalyzing a movement
National Catholic Homelessness Summit
|
The Theology of the Poor Anthology
|
Multi-Ministry Documentary
|
Social Media Influencer Campaign
|
Parish - Based Replication Strategy
|
Parish pulpit push - World Day for the Poor
|