SAGINAW — The apostolic visit of Pope Francis to the United States is continuing to inspire people to reach out and care for those in need. An unsolicited phone call to the Diocese of Saginaw recently confirmed that. A husband and wife who owned a house in Midland County said they were interested in donating the unoccupied home to help shelter the homeless. The couple was motivated by Pope Francis and wanted to act on a desire placed on their hearts.
"We have always tithed and taught our children that you will never 'want' if you always help others first," the couple said. "There is no greater feeling than the love we felt when we learned how many lives we affected. We are all on the path to heaven. The road becomes less rocky when we concentrate less on ourselves, and much more on others."
The Diocese of Saginaw assisted the couple, who wishes to remain anonymous, to determine the best use for the house. It has been sold and the net proceeds of $68,180.38 will be distributed to a number of organizations within the diocese that shelter the homeless.
"In this Year of Mercy, what an incredible example of love and mercy this couple has shown to us," said the Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw. "I am honored to distribute these funds on their behalf to assist the homeless living in our communities."
Check presentations will take place at the diocesan Center for Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 10. Organizations to receive assistance include:
Mustard Seed Shelter of Saginaw, which shelters and assists homeless women and their children;
Emmaus House, which shelters and assists women transitioning from incarceration;
City Rescue Mission of Saginaw, which serves as an emergency shelter for men, women and children;
Good Samaritan Rescue Mission Bay City, which serves as an emergency shelter for men, women and children;
and Midland Area Homes, which offers various forms of assistance to low income individuals.
In addition, the following Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity, which help to build, rehabilitate and repair homes for those in need also will receive assistance: Arenac County Habitat for Humanity, Bay County Habitat for Humanity, Blue Water Habitat for Humanity, Cass River Habitat for Humanity, Clare County Habitat for Humanity, Gratiot County Habitat for Humanity, Gladwin-Ogemaw Habitat for Humanity, Isabella County Habitat for Humanity, Midland County Habitat for Humanity, Saginaw County Habitat for Humanity and Upper Thumb Habitat for Humanity.