Shelter the Homeless
“… Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today, I must stay at your house.” (Lk 19:5)
In those who are homeless, the face of Christ is revealed. Recall the story of Christmas. When Mary and Joseph sought a place to stay, they found no room in the inn. The Christ-child, then, was born in a manger in a stable. His very birth showed forth his humility and his wish to witness the infinite love of his Father for the downtrodden and the homeless. Sheltering the homeless allows a person to live with self-respect and dignity. Below are some suggestions to consider:
- Contribute to a homeless shelter through a financial or clothing donation.
- Discover if your parish is involved with a local homeless shelter and volunteer some time.
- Consider becoming a homemaker or companion through Catholic Charities Maine’s Independent Support Services or S.E.A.R.C.H. programs, which both help seniors remain in their homes.
- Visit a loved one in a nursing home or stop by an elderly relative or neighbor’s home for a visit.
- Many homeless shelters need warm blankets for their beds. If you can knit or sew that would be an extra loving gift.
- Offer to teach a skills class such as creating a resume and filing for benefits. Passing on these skills can largely empower and prepare homeless individuals.
- In July 2022, Catholic Charities Maine embarked on a new pilot project to support asylum seekers in Southern Maine. They are being temporarily housed in a hotel in Saco while the State of Maine identifies housing solutions. Learn more and get involved by visiting here.
Stories of Service from our Diocese
Scripture
"Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard" (Isaiah 58: 7-8).
"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth" (1 John 3:17-18).
Bishop Robert Deeley
“We have so many wonderful ministries in our parishes and diocese that bring God’s love to others through serving and caring for the homeless, including St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen in Portland which serves lunch and provides food for those in need of shelter and resources. And that work is the work of the Church. It is our work as followers of Jesus. We must always make sure the good work we do is grounded in an appreciation of why we do it. And, as well, with whose power and grace we do it. That is what we learn from the disciples. We meet the Lord Jesus, now ascended into heaven in the Word of Scripture and in the breaking of the bread. We meet him when we celebrate Eucharist. In the act of faith we make each time we gather, we are caught up in the wonder of Jesus’ love for us. It is that love we experience which brings us to the places the Lord sends us to carry on his mission."
