Catch the Building Spirit
Who are we?
Our Mission Statement
Catch-the-Building-Spirit is a local, grass-roots group of Miami Valley Catholics who build quality homes at cost for low-income families.
Since starting in 1993, many houses have been constructed in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and one house remodeled with the St. Mary’s Development Corporation. We are growing and now have an official board of trustees. The Archdiocesan Office of Social Justice and World Peace has supported us since our inception in 1993. A strong coalition of over 20 parishes has worked together locally to fulfill peoples’ dreams of owning a home.
The Need:
People greatly need a safe, stable home environment to grow in society and to become well-adjusted citizens. As Christian Catholics, we vitally need to alleviate substandard area housing that affects 40% of our low-income urban households. We critically need to stop urban decay by promoting affordable home ownership for families to gain financial equity.
As Catholics, we need to show a strong presence in the Dayton community. Showing the love and power of God in practical ways enables us to meet our Christian responsibilities.
Our Strengths
More than 95% of all financial gifts received support needy families.
We foster the esteem necessary for a family to move out of poverty by owning a home.
We promote and nurture community building among parishes and other churches, gathering cooperatively for a unified purpose.
We establish the presence of the Kingdom of God in the world proper to our role as lay Catholic people and as urged in the U.S. Bishop’s pastoral, Economic Justice for All: The Dignity of the Human Person.
We offer the occasion to learn new building skills from new relationship ties.
We foster the joy that comes in loving Jesus, who, according to Mother Teresa, is “disguised in the distress of the poor.”
We have the commitment, wisdom and experience to build a home start to finish.
We offer a simple, effective and active response to the needs of people who are without adequate long-term dwellings.
We provide role models for youth.
Our Need:
How You Can Help
We rely on your prayer support for the success and safety of our efforts.
Volunteers of all skill levels and commercial trades are essential to constructing the home.
Financial gifts from parishes, local companies, and individual people like you are critical to our success.
Local businesses are vitally needed for professional or licensed electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and roofing work. We also are in need of building materials as an in-kind gift or at cost.
We need parish liaisons who promote the needs of the poor in the Miami Valley to their parish community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Catch-the-Building-Spirit exist?
Catch-the-Building Spirit is a local, non-profit organization reaching out to our Dayton community by constructing quality homes for low-income families.
Who is eligible to receive a home?
Prospective individuals apply to Habitat for Humanity and are reviewed for eligibility by a board. They must receive budgeting and credit counseling, attend home ownership maintenance classes and complete 300-500 hours of community service work before being able to move into their new home.
“Catch-the-Building-Spirit is a great way for Catholic parishes to join together to make a difference in our area. Furthermore, it’s a great way for Catholics and others to develop mutuality in the mission of the Church.”
-Father David Brinkmoeller, Dean of the Dayton-area parishes
Catch-the-Building-Spirit
Scripturally Based
Lord, when did we see you in need of help? Jesus answered, “As often as you did it for one of the least of your neighbors, you did it to me.” (Mt. 25:45)
Offering Integrity
“Your team’s help in building a home has established a standard few others can match. The success of the home’s construction is due, in large part, to your ability to organize and follow through.”
“Working hand-in-hand with the Presbyterians, you have truly demonstrated the kind of cooperative partnership that we stand for. You can take great pride in being part of this….”
-John Robinson, DOHH, a Catch-the-Building-Spirit partner