Changing Lives One Donation at a Time S. Pat Newhouse’s volunteer ministry at Haven House

Changing Lives One Donation at a Time

On a street in East Lansing there’s a “I don’t think people are aware,” home that’s known to all. S. Pat said. “You don’t see families on Its specialty is helping families who’ve the street; they might be living with lost their home. another family member. It’s a strain on the family they are staying with but Haven House is always ready to get they have no place to go. While families them on their feet, are at Haven House, children are in To start their lives all over and help school, parents are looking for a job and them with their needs. eventually working to find an affordable Volunteers are always ready to help place to live.” them when they can. The shelter uses its funds to help So give, give, all you’ve got and we’ll do families who are homeless prepare for it all over again. permanent housing by developing and promoting self-sufficiency, stability, and

It started out as a simple gesture – financial responsibility. In addition to selling cookbooks to help a local housing, residents receive meals, crisis organization raise funds for its homeless families. But it wasn’t long Committed to the work of Haven House in Lansing, Michigan, S. Pat Newhouse was a star server at the counseling, assistance with goal setting and referrals to other agencies as needed. before S. Pat Newhouse’s involvement organization’s Pancake Palooza in February where While her efforts are mostly and love for Haven House – an organization providing emergency she was named the People’s Choice Award Winner for reaching the most supporters. concentrated on fundraising, S. Pat does have opportunities to meet some of the housing and support services for one-parent and two-parent families staying at the home. She is known to dress up as the families with children – grew infinitely. Cat in the Hat every now and again and recalls a grandfather

Invited to participate, as a celebrity, in Haven House’s of three who came to the home last year. “If he had gone to a second annual pancake breakfast fundraiser, Pancake Palooza, different shelter, they would have only taken him and put the S. Pat left that day only to meet a mom, her small child and kids in foster care. Haven House took them all in and they her six-day-old baby. “That really touched my heart and were able to stay together as a family. The grandfather had lost spurred my efforts to try to do my best to help homeless his job, and with the help of Haven House was able to find families,” she said. another and eventually housing. They then followed him for A Sister of Charity for the past 61 years, S. Pat has devoted her life to teaching and pastoral care but in her spare a year – helping him to plan his finances and get him back on his feet. They do great work!” time she has enjoyed volunteering to help those in need. “I Again this year S. Pat was a star server at the Haven House think I got my inspiration to help others during my years in Pancake Palooza in February. Joining others in doing “whatever grade and high school, when we raised money for missionaries it takes” to raise the most funds to help homeless families, S. Pat in foreign lands by selling magazines, candy bars and making earned almost $5,300 for the organization and was named the goodies for bake sales,” she recalled. People’s Choice Award Winner for reaching the most supporters. Her recent efforts have most certainly been beneficial to the mission of Haven House. The organization depends The honor affirms her ability to connect with others and her determination to helping the families of Haven House. upon the support of the community to help end homelessness What started as another fundraising challenge for S. Pat in the Lansing, Michigan, area. Using her natural friendly Newhouse quickly became so much more. The mission of disposition, S. Pat has been able to raise approximately Haven House touched her own heart and now many families $30,000 over the last eight years for the organization. Just in need are benefitting from her kindness and outreach. as important is the awareness she has brought to the issue Note: The above lyrics are to the Haven House fight song, written of homelessness as well as the organization through her by S. Pat Newhouse and sung to the tune of the Michigan State fundraising efforts. fight song.

Being Homeless in a Pandemic

By S. Patricia Wittberg

The relationship between COVID-19 and homelessness goes two ways – and both are extremely harmful. On the one hand, persons experiencing homelessness are much more vulnerable to coming down with the infection. Whether doubled-up with relatives, living in crowded shelters, or sleeping on the streets, homeless persons are exposed to more potential coronavirus carriers, and are less likely to be able to practice social distancing. As for cleanliness and sanitation, many of the homeless do not have access to places where they can shower or even wash their hands: for example, Mary Magdalene House in Cincinnati, which had provided such services for the homeless, had to close its shower facilities temporarily because its own staff and volunteers were themselves elderly or medically at risk. Some homeless people in Cincinnati have had to go as long as three weeks without a shower or bath as a result. Homeless people often have other health conditions that render them especially susceptible to catching COVID-19, and to having more severe cases of the disease when they do. And once homeless COVID patients are released from the hospital to “recuperate at home,” there is often no established quarantine location for them and they must return to their crowded shelters – where they continue to infect others. In places like New York City, many sleep overnight on the subway cars or in the underground stations, where they may spread COVID-19 to commuters. The subway is now closed for several hours each night so that crews can disinfect the car – but this simply forces more homeless persons onto the streets.

The relationship goes the other way, too. The collapse of the economy due to COVID-19 means that many more people are out of work. Some estimates put the U.S. unemployment rate as high as 25 or 30 percent, matching the worst of the Great Depression. Lack of an income makes many people unable to pay their rent or mortgage. In Cincinnati, a larger percentage of householders are renters: 62 percent as compared to 34 percent statewide. Over half of Cincinnati’s renters are “rent burdened,” which means they spend more – often much more – than 30 percent

of their income for rent. Even before COVID-19, the Cincinnati eviction rate was 4,500 per year, which is twice the national average. Ohio is one of only six states that does not have a statewide policy on evictions, which leads to wide discrepancies in how they are carried out. Currently, in Cincinnati, evictions continue to be served on householders who are behind in their rent, but the eviction courts are closed due to the coronavirus. When these courts re-open again, there will be a backlog of more than 1,000 eviction cases for them to process; a rushed, cursory hearing for these cases could lead to tenants being unjustly evicted.

Homeowners may be in equally difficult straits. There is currently a federal moratorium on home foreclosures which expires this coming fall. A homeowner who has been furloughed or laid off from employment and is unable to make one or more mortgage payments cannot be forced to forfeit his or her house until that time. But the legislation passed by Congress allows a bank to demand the entire threeor four-months’ mortgage payment as soon as the moratorium expires, instead of just adding three or four months to the end of the mortgage period. Many homeowners will not be able to pay the entire lump sum all at once, and may lose their house. The fate of homeowners and renters is intertwined: landlords owning (and paying mortgages on) rental properties will not be able to meet their own expenses if their renters are unable to pay. If these rental properties are foreclosed upon and possibly allowed to deteriorate while a new buyer is sought, this will further reduce the number of rental properties available – at a time when there will be more families in need of a rental home.

So far, there has not been an increase in the number of persons failing to make their rent or mortgage payments, in comparison to the same months last year. But economists believe that this is because many had used the $1,200 stimulus payments which they received from the government to pay their rent. The Cincinnati Enquirer (May 3 and May 13, 2020) predicted a flood of evictions this summer, once the stimulus payment money is used up. Subsequent federal funds promised to local governments to aid in the crisis - $3.5 million to Cincinnati and another million dollars to Hamilton County – have been slow to arrive.

Homelessness makes COVID-19 worse, and COVID-19 makes homelessness worse. What is being done to help alleviate the situation? The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition has been active on several fronts. They have pushed the city to establish a quarantine zone in the shelters for homeless persons who have had COVID-19 or have tested positive for the coronavirus, staffed 24/7 by nurses. To aid in social distancing, they advocated with United Way to pay for rooms in hotels, first for homeless families and children and later for homeless single adults, and they worked with Shelterhouse and the Convention and Visitors Bureau to negotiate lower hotel room rates for this effort. The Coalition estimates that sheltering and protecting homeless persons in this way will cost $850,000 per month, not counting any increase in homelessness from COVID-19-caused joblessness and evictions. Where will the money come from?

In so many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed systemic inequities in American society that we have ignored for years. Our country’s systematic under-funding and underregulating of nursing homes, the digital divide between poor and middle-class students trying to learn from home, the racial disparities in everything from health to education to housing, the chaotic and patchwork way we fund (or do not fund) health care – all have been made more obvious by the current pandemic. The crisis in affordable housing and homelessness in our country is another systemic flaw. Perhaps God is calling Americans to derive something good from the COVID-19 pandemic by working to alleviate these injustices. Will we listen?

According to the CDC, some individuals are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. They include older adults age 65 and over. However, people experiencing homelessness age faster than housed people. Research indicates they have physical conditions that mirror those of people 15-20 years older than them. On a single day, an estimated 202,623 single adults experiencing homelessness are over age 50, suggesting they may be uniquely vulnerable to becoming seriously ill during the pandemic crisis.

Source: endhomelessness.org

Seeds of Hope

By Helen Jahn and Carolyn Shields, Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

“I n the shrine, the doors are wide open to the sick, the disabled, and above all, the marginalized, refugees, and migrants,” said Pope Francis in 2017, when he recognized the need for the Church – particularly shrines – to engage with those on the margins. Pope Francis challenged the Church to help the marginalized wherever it could, whether in Cincinnati, Ohio or Emmitsburg, Maryland.

In response, the Seton Shrine introduced the Seeds of Hope retreat program in 2018, to offer free day retreats for the poor and marginalized. Shrine Executive Director Rob Judge commented, “Mother Seton founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph to serve Christ in the poor. The Shrine board and staff view the Shrine as a refuge for the poor, the forgotten, those most hurting. It is only fitting that a shrine, dedicated to a woman who served Christ in the poor, is a refuge to the poor.”

James, a participant in the retreats, agreed, commenting, “What Mother Seton did to turn around so many lives, and to find that people are still carrying on her mission, is quite a blessing.”

Retreats include a tour, meals and time for reflection. Staff and volunteers are especially attentive, so participants feel seen and loved. Those who struggle with mobility are accompanied by volunteers, the visually impaired are given places up front, and the hard of hearing receive listening devices.

Seeds of Hope was initially envisioned by S. Anne Marie Lamoureaux, DC, to continue her vow of service to the poor. “One of the greatest blessings for me is getting to know the people,” S. Anne Marie said. “To be in the presence of Christ in those people makes me realize what’s really important in life.”

Conducting a Seeds of Hope retreat takes many hands. “We could never do this without our volunteers,” said S. Anne Marie. Sometimes there’s nearly a one-to-one ratio of volunteers to participants. Nonetheless, help is always needed. S. Anne Marie commented, “Transportation, meals and fees are big expenses. Sometimes we bring people from the city, and transportation costs up to $2,000 for one bus. We’ve greatly appreciated grant assistance from the MMI Foundation, as well as private donations. With this support, we’ve welcomed more people to experience peace and hope at the Shrine. To continue helping people on the margins, gift support is always welcome.”

“These retreats were begun for the poor, and now we partner with groups who serve the poor directly. We prepare with them a customized retreat for their group,” Rob said.

Retreatants gather for prayer during a Seeds of Hope Retreat at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

“Over time, we’ve gotten to know the attendees. Many have wanted to come back again, so we began inviting them to other events – concerts, living history, pilgrimage days. They feel welcome and view Seeds of Hope as a source of support as they get to know each other and the Shrine more. It’s beautiful to see them identify with Mother Seton and draw encouragement from her life.”

“I’ve been on three to four retreats and love the peace and calm at the Shrine,” said Margie, another participant. “You can be at ease here and not worry about the struggles of the day or what’s happening in the world.”

“We want to remove barriers between the marginalized and those who are not ... we work to form a community so we can help and learn from one another, and know that we are not alone,” S. Anne Marie explained.

Seeds of Hope has held eight retreats and multiple “follow up” events to build upon the relationships formed at the retreats. Approximately 214 people have participated, and all receive free admission to future Shrine events. Retreats have been paused due to the pandemic, but will resume when it’s safe to do so. The Shrine has established a prayer line for anyone to call, talk and/or pray with someone. The prayer line is available at 866-202-4934, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

To learn more or become a partner, please call 301-447-7083 or email seedsofhope@setonshrine.org.

Editor’s Note: The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Sisters of Charity Federation of North America.

Our Sister of Charity Legacy of Caring for the Homeless

By S. Judith Metz

When a small group of epidemic, five children under the age women gathered around of 7 died. To Margaret they were “not Elizabeth Seton in to be given up without a sigh, nor Emmitsburg, Maryland (1809), without a tear.” During the epidemic they pledged themselves to care for the asylum was full to overflowing the most needy, especially through and, much to their sorrow, the Sisters education and the care of homeless had to place a temporary halt on children, and soon these Sisters of admissions. Charity began their ministries that When the orphan girls attended expanded throughout the country. a ceremony at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Invoking the charity charism of they “dressed in new and beautiful St. Vincent de Paul, they embraced attire, [and] looked the picture of the spirituality of finding God in health.” Friends described St. Peter’s all persons, especially the poor. as a “school of good manners” and

Even before they established a noted that “the good government boarding school at St. Joseph’s in of this little kingdom [was] truly Emmitsburg, the Sisters opened incomparable.” The girls’ “neat white a free school and a ‘St. Joseph’s aprons” and “well-washed hands and class’ to receive orphans. They also faces” impressed visitors as did their regularly visited the poor and sick in Ministering to orphans was a major work of Sisters of Charity in the 19th century. (Painting by Pietro Gagliardi, “laughter and merry-making.” the neighborhood, and took in three courtesy Archives, Sisters of Charity of New York.) S. Anthony O’Connell, who arrived widowed mothers of the original at St. Peter’s in 1837, played a major members of the community. role in the more than 30 years she served there. One of her

Within a few years they were invited to Philadelphia and special duties was making rounds at the markets begging New York to open orphan asylums, focusing particularly on for food for the asylum. Many stories tell of her dauntless orphan girls left homeless by the casualties of immigration efforts despite ridicule and prejudice. In 1852, she was named and periodic epidemics. During epidemics, asylums previously director of the new St. Joseph’s boys’ orphanage. When a housing 50 or 60 orphans had to provide for several hundred. larger facility that combined the boy and girl orphanages was By the time the Sisters arrived in Cincinnati in 1829 they had built, she was placed in charge, doing a stellar job managing a already opened 10 orphan asylums. facility for nearly 300 orphans.

St. Peter’s in Cincinnati started with five orphans but the number jumped to 34 when cholera hit in 1832, and by midcentury had 150 young ladies residing there. Additionally, in 1842, the Sisters assumed responsibility for St. Aloysius Asylum for German boys, but this ministry was short-lived.

When S. Margaret George arrived in 1845, she brought a lifetime of experience working with orphans, and a love for children as shown by her letters and many pictures, stories and verses preserved in her scrapbooks. She transformed St. Peter’s by overseeing the building of three additions along with interior improvements that included warm water baths and new furniture to accommodate. During the 1849 cholera

Later, when S. Anthony was in charge of Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, she again reached out to the poor in the form of “erring young women” and their “illegitimate infants” by founding St. Ann’s Home for Destitute Widows and Females.” When 56 foundlings were received the first year, she secured a beautiful home for them on the outskirts of the city, and overcoming suspicion and accusations, she saw it grow into a thriving infant and maternity home.

From Elizabeth Seton to Margaret George to Anthony O’Connell, this legacy of caring for the homeless and marginalized was the cornerstone – a firm foundation – that has been built upon by succeeding generations of Sisters of Charity.