The Fourth Corporal Work of Mercy

Shelter the
Homeless

The Catholic obligation to provide housing and refuge to those without homes

Young woman giving hug to her cute little son with brown soft teddybear while both sitting on sleeping place prepared for refugees

Complete History: Shelter the Homeless

Definition

To shelter the homeless is to provide housing, refuge, and hospitality to those without adequate dwelling. Christ: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Matthew 25:35). The CCC teaches hospitality expresses charity (CCC 2571). Housing is a basic human right; Catholics respond to Christ present in the homeless.

Biblical & Historical

Scripture

Abraham welcomed strangers (Gen 18). Hebrews 13:2: "Show hospitality to strangers, thereby some entertained angels." Good Samaritan provided lodging (Luke 10). Holy Family refugees (Matt 2:13-15).

Church History

Early: Christians opened homes. Benedictines: Monastic hospitality. Medieval: Hospices on pilgrimage routes. Modern: Catholic Worker (Dorothy Day, 1933), St. Vincent de Paul shelters.

Practice Today

Direct

  • • Volunteer at shelters
  • • Donate to housing
  • • Catholic Worker
  • • Provide temporary housing

Advocacy

  • • Affordable housing
  • • Address root causes
  • • Human dignity
  • • Work for justice

Organizations

  • • Catholic Charities
  • • St. Vincent de Paul
  • • Catholic Worker
  • • Parish programs
Man, poverty and homeless with tent, help and holding hands with support, kindness and care on ground. People, volunteer and hope with social awareness, connection and empathy on grass at park

Conclusion

Sheltering the homeless is rooted in Scripture and Church history. From monastic hospitality to modern Catholic shelters, the Church provides refuge. Housing is a basic right. Catholics serve at shelters, support housing programs, and advocate for systemic solutions. When we shelter the homeless, we welcome Christ Himself.