Habitat for Humanity™

“I never would have been able to have a home of my own, were it not for the good people of St. Francis and Habitat for Humanity.  Thank you!” -- new Louisville homeowner

Very few of us enjoy housework, but all of us want and enjoy our own home. A home is the place where your children are safe, where they have their own room, and a real backyard.  A home is the place you care for your family, watch the kids grow up and yes, clean it.  The proverbial American Dream.

When you volunteer to work with others to build a home for someone who never expected to be able to own a home, you are providing more than shelter.  

How Habitat for Humanity™ home building ministry works

When St. Francis agrees to sponsor a Habitat home, the first step is to secure a slot from Habitat for Humanity Louisville.  A deposit is required, which necessitates fund raising projects.  In the past, we have partnered with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and this year we will also work with the Jewish Community of Louisville and as always, with the prospective homeowner.    

What it takes to be a volunteer

You don’t need any special skill to work with the Habitat Ministry. There are so many aspects to the project that everyone can find a suitable job.  You may even learn a new skill, like carpentry, insulation installation, drywall installation, or painting. In fact, many volunteers have felt great satisfaction in learning and accomplishing something so vital while working on a Habitat house. If you cannot contribute labor, volunteers are needed to prepare lunch.  Everyone is welcome.

St. Francis sponsored its first Habitat House in 2001, with a ‘Raise the Roof” project. The event was so successful, that the parish completed a house the following year, and plans to continue building in the community well into the future.

Over 200 volunteers have contributed more than 5,000 hours, of work, energy, sweat and good will.

special projects to help fund habitat for humanity

This year, St. Francis, the Jewish Community and St. Peter’s sponsored an evening at the Comedy Caravan to benefit the current Habitat project.  A silent auction was also part of the program.

Upcoming habitat projects

On September 9, 2004, St. Francis in the Fields begins our fourth house. We are partnering with the JewishCommunity and St. Peter’s to “ Raise the Roof” and complete a home for Carolyn. Carolyn works as a clerk, and her 13 year-old granddaughter, Jessica lives with her.  For 12 weeks, volunteers will work Fridays and Saturdays, along with Carolyn, to build her house on Hemlock Street in Louisville.

the truth about outreach ministries

The truth about outreach ministries is that when God calls us to love our neighbor through service, we not only further His kingdom on earth, we ourselves are transformed. When you work with your fellow parishioners building a home for someone who has invested sweat equity as well as faith, hope and love, you will feel the Holy Spirit at the site as well.

how to get started helping to build homes with habitat for humanity

Please call Sandy Wood, Volunteer Coordinator at the St. Francis parish office. Sandy will help you take the next step.

Call 228-1176