Joseph House of Cleveland, Inc.

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$6,000 Goal

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Mission: Grounded in our Catholic faith, with love and respect for those we serve, we assist vulnerable newcomers who come in need of shelter and a path to self-sufficiency, and help those in need in our neighborhood community.

In a single day recently, Joseph House received 48 requests for coats, but we had just two on our shelves. This gap between what our neighbors need and what we have on hand is the challenge we face this holiday season. Our supplies too often fall short. This year, we served more than 3,000 people. Behind every number is a person, a family, and a story. A warm coat lets someone stand at the bus stop on the way to work. New shoes let a child walk to school. Personal hygiene items allow a refugee family to attend church with dignity. And a welcoming smile reminds someone who is struggling that they are not alone.

This has been a year of growth and change for Joseph House. Through the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of supporters like you, we moved into our new home on St. Clair Avenue. But our biggest change is not where we are, it is how we serve. Rather than waiting for people to walk through our doors, Joseph House is now going out to where people are, working alongside partner organizations and parishes across Cleveland to reach newcomers who need our help now. As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded that the greatest gifts we can offer each other are kindness and compassion. Thank you for sharing these gifts over the years with Joseph House and the people we serve. We wish you and your loved ones a blessed Thanksgiving and a joyful Christmas season.

Joseph House of Cleveland Inc. is a 501(c)(3) that was created in 1997 to help meet the housing needs of refugees resettling in Cleveland. It is a collaboration of one suburban and three urban Catholic parishes: Divine Word, St. Vitus, Immaculate Conception Cleveland and St. Paul Croatian. Over the past 29 years, the ministry has expanded to include a clothing bank that serves both refugees and Cleveland neighbors in need. Staffed by volunteers, the Joseph House Clothing Bank provides much-needed clothing and shoes at no cost to thousands of local neighbors and refugees. Throughout its history, Joseph House has served refugees from 37 different countries on 5 continents of the globe- North America, South America, Africa, Europe and Asia.

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me...Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

Matthew 25: 34-40