An Authentic Catholic Response to Homelessness
Rooted in Faith. Driven by Dignity. Forming the Church.
A thought leadership summit uniting select Catholic leaders to reimagine an authentic Catholic response to homelessness through mission, mercy, and mobilization.​
The Dream
EMAIL US contact@authenticresponse.info
TEXT US 310.363.0541
Catalyze a national catechetical movement where every Catholic is formed to defend the dignity of the poor and restore relationships at the heart of homelessness.
Why We Gathered
THE CHALLENGE
U.S. Catholics give generously abroad—but overlook the homeless at home.
The average person (and Christian) has ceded homelessness to the state.​​
Response to homelessness must be more relational than logistic.​​
​Most Catholics don’t know how to help—so they don’t.
OUR RESPONSE
SOFESA convened 8 national Catholic leaders with 61+ years of experience to envision a Church that doesn't just serve the poor—but walks with them.
Who Was There
NATIONAL CATHOLIC LEADERS INCLUDED
Alan & Tricia Graham
Mobile Loaves & Fishes
Eduardo Regal & Blake Brouilett
Christ in the City​
Sisters Maria Goretti & Azucena
Sisters Poor of Jesus Christ
Andy Churray
Vagabond Missions
Michael Donaldson
​Archdiocese of LA
Jess Echeverry
SOFESA
​Sponsored generously by the ACTA Foundation
What Emerged
A EUCHARISTIC MISSION
​FORMATION → TRANSFORMATION
From community
to communion.​​
From “doing for”
to “being with.”​​
"The poverty in the West is a poverty of loneliness and spirituality"
– MOTHER TERESA
​Insights & Takeaways
Root Cause
Homelessness is a breakdown in relationships, not just resources.
Shift the Lens
We’re not fixing problems—we’re accompanying people.
Challenge the Culture
Risk, busyness, and fear block true engagement.
Walk With, Not Past
Relationship-first models (e.g., food truck, walking routes) create trust
Catholic Culture Reimagined
A parish that includes both the housed and homeless.
What's Next
We're dreaming big–and building humbly
The Catholic Church reclaiming her place as front line missionaries to the poor.
THE DREAM
Catalyze a national catechetical movement where every Catholic is formed to defend the dignity of the poor and restore relationships at the heart of homelessness.
Next steps for catalyzing a movement
National Catholic Homelessness Summit
The Theology of the Poor Anthology
Multi-Ministry Documentary
Social Media Influencer Campaign
Parish - Based Replication Strategy
Parish pulpit push - World Day for the Poor
