The Housing Ministry at St. Mary’s strives to find affordable housing for those in need and shelter for those who have no home.

“Our Catholic faith teaches that housing is a universal and inviolable right of all persons. This right must be available to all people, and we have a particular concern for individuals who are most vulnerable. We advocate for this just as Catholic service providers endeavor to meet the needs of all who come to their doors. In this way, we pursue the imperative work of mercy that Jesus made known in saying ‘I was . . . a stranger and you welcomed me.’” ~ USCCB Public Affairs Office in September 2020

Housing Insecurity Among Our Neighbors
On the weekend of April 20/21 our Justice, Peace, and Outreach Commission hosted after-Mass gatherings in the St Joseph room. Affordable housing is a deep concern for many in our community, among them those who, because of a car repair, an unforeseen health problem, or school supply costs that cannot be met, may find themselves without a safe place to stay. Washington County has documented some stories of those whose lives have been upended. Their stories are some you may have heard amongst your own family friends. You can learn more HERE 

Habitat for Humanity Summer 2024 Build – Save the Date!

St. Mary of the Lake has been involved in a Habitat for Humanity build for more than 20 years and has participated in building homes in the White Bear Lake area and throughout the Twin Cities. This summer we will be working on a build located at 1408 22nd St E, Minneapolis on July 22-25. Please contact LowAnn Belden at 612-741-2614 or [email protected] to express your interest in volunteering for this build. After you contact LowAnn, you can then visit https://tinyurl.com/tchabitatbuild to officially sign up. All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age (those 16-17 years old need a chaperone), follow the safety rules outlined on the volunteer website, and commit to working the full day’s shift. We are also looking for volunteers to provide a dish or dessert to share with the volunteers helping at the build this summer. Please let LowAnn know of your interest!

How to participate:

  • Volunteer with Habitat or other organizations in our local community – check out our volunteer interest page here or our Service Opportunities Booklet.
  • Join the Housing Group.
  • Most importantly, join us in prayer!

Share Your Concerns with your Legislators!
Individual stories are so impactful. Share what you see in your community and neighborhood and where you volunteer. Tell them about the people you see who can’t afford a place to live. And share that you are a person of faith and urge them to act justly. You can find out who represents you and how to contact them by using this link: Who Represents Me?

Housing Organizations

  • Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity – works to provide affordable housing to the Twin Cities area communities and families that live in them. – https://www.tchabitat.org
  • Philomena House – provides housing and help up to a year for homeless, expectant mothers – https://philomenahouse.org
  • Solid Ground – helps families build the strong foundations they need to emerge from homelessness into a brighter future – https://www.solidgroundmn.org
  • Listening House – provides a daytime shelter for people experiencing poverty, homelessness, or loneliness – https://www.listeninghouse.org
  • Common Bond – provides housing and supportive services, academic and enrichment programs for youth and job assistance, health and wellness services, and community engagement opportunities – https://commonbond.org