Worldwide, 1 in 8 people live in slums or slum-like conditions, and those from developing countries typically suffer the most. In places like Haiti and Guatemala, for example, poor families seek shelter in houses built with sticks, discarded plastic, metal sheets, scrap lumber and cardboard, with no plumbing or electricity.

Cross Catholic Outreach empowers Catholic ministries to build and repair houses for these families in need. The priests, sisters and Catholic lay missionaries serving overseas know that God’s Word is true: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1), and that’s why they keep the Gospel at the center of their mission to house the destitute. The gift of safe shelter gives families a solid foundation on which to build the rest of their lives!

In 2021, your compassion provided safe shelter for families in 11 countries. In Mozambique, your support funded the construction of new homes and rehabilitation of existing homes for orphan families that were living in horrendous conditions, through the ministry of Association Cross Mozambique. Each home was made of concrete blocks, with a cement floor, a sturdy roof, a lockable door and a latrine for improved sanitation.

In Nicaragua, your support funded the construction of eight clean-air kitchens. Since most Nicaraguan homes lack electricity, many meals must be cooked on indoor wood-burning stoves. Not only does this lead to an increase in burn risks, but also it creates problems with smoke inhalation and can eventually lead to chronic lung disease. But clean-air kitchens, provided by Cross Catholic Outreach’s donors, were an answer to prayers and a welcome relief!