Authentic Response
DALLAS
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.
What Emerged
A EUCHARISTIC MISSION
FORMATION → TRANSFORMATION
From community
to communion
From “doing for”
to “being with”
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.