Homeless to Housewarmed: Creating Sacred Spaces that Restore Human Dignity
By Christy Loustalot
Through the simple acts of sharing the program with my community, coordinating wishlist items, organizing donations and volunteers, and setting up a space, I get to contribute to the restoration of someone's dignity and worth, helping them to feel seen, valued and loved.
Reflecting on my experience preparing multiple homes through Catholic Charities of Acadiana's Homeless to Housewarmed, I am reminded of the incredible power of creating sacred spaces for those in need.
This campaign goes beyond simply providing a roof over someone’s head or meeting their basic needs, as important as those are. It goes one step further—to the heart. By creating a warm, inviting space that feels like a true home, Homeless to Housewarmed restores a sense of belonging and dignity that touches the soul.
Even though I never meet the individuals whose home I am preparing, I feel a deep connection to each individual’s journey.
As our group prepares a home together, it is my prayer and desire that the individual moving out of the shelter or off the street into the warmth of the space we are creating, feels God's love as they cross the threshold into their new home. I imagine the overwhelming joy and peace they must feel stepping into a space that is truly theirs; a space that embodies dignity, comfort, and God's immense love.
What draws me to this campaign is how perfectly it combines my God-given gifts of empathy, development, and passion for design with my charisms of encouragement and service in a way that is deeply purposeful.
Whether my group is working on improvements like repairing cabinets or smaller details like a simple welcoming doormat, every item reflects God's love and makes it tangible. These personalized touches—like incorporating a favorite color or including art selected or designed especially for the individual—convey a message of hope.
One of the most beautiful parts of this experience is how it brings my family together in service. Seeing my children so excited to help and share in this mission has been so precious. It’s heartwarming to watch them take pride in contributing to a new beginning for someone else.
Being part of this mission, alongside my family and local faith community, fills my heart with gratitude and a profound sense of purpose. It has been such a blessing to help welcome five clients home so far, and I look forward to continuing to support the Homeless to Housewarmed initiative.
Click here to learn how you can be a part of Homeless to Housewarmed. Reach out to Kayla Stansbury at Kaylas@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org or (337) 235-4972 x1228