Most people are familiar with “Habitat for Humanity” or have at least heard of the organization. As they say on their website: “At Habitat for Humanity, we build. We build because we believe that everyone, everywhere, deserves a healthy and affordable place to call home. When a family helps build or improve a place they can call home, they are also building a better community, a better life for themselves. We help families in need of a decent place to build long-term financial security. With an affordable, stable home, families have more resources to spend on essentials such as food, medicine, childcare, education, and other necessities. Habitat is transforming lives around the world.”
Will Connelly, who coordinates the Habitat for Humanity ministry at St. Francis, is always looking for individuals who want to help. “St Francis is a long-standing partner with Habitat Wake,” says Will. “Our parish sponsors two builds a year with their Catholic Coalition, the ‘Beloved Build’ and the ‘Apostles Build’. We invite parishioners to come swing a hammer and help build houses for those in need.” Volunteers will work alongside soon-to-be homeowners to construct their new homes. The ministry collaborates with Habitat for Humanity to work toward the vision of building strength, stability, and self-reliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing.
Our parish dedicates itself to upholding Catholic Social Teachings, and Habitat emphasizes the ‘Dignity of Human Life’ because they agree that everyone deserves a place to live! As Will says, “The Habitat for Humanity Ministry builds upon our Franciscan roots of honoring all people and helping to improve the quality of life for families. We aren’t just building houses, we’re building homes.”
He asks, “Are you interested in joining the ministry as we collaborate with Habitat for Humanity to work toward our vision by building strength, stability, and self-reliance in partnership with families needing decent and affordable housing? Do you want to volunteer to work alongside soon-to-be homeowners in the construction of their new homes?” Check the website, bulletin, social channels, and welcome center screens for upcoming build dates sponsored by St Francis. Habitat builds year-round and welcomes volunteers most days of the week. You can check their listings at the Habitat Wake volunteer hub and sign up as a member of “St Francis Catholic” or contact Will Connelly at st.francis.h4h@gmail.com.