Homeless to Housewarmed: How St. Pius Staff Transformed a Home with Love

On Monday, February 17th, the faculty and staff of St. Pius Elementary School came together for a truly impactful day of service in partnership with us through our Homeless to Housewarmed Campaign. This initiative aimed to provide a fresh start for individuals transitioning out of homelessness by furnishing and decorating a housing unit with essential items that would help make the space feel like a home. The day was a beautiful reflection of the school's commitment to service, compassion, and community.

The staff was divided into several groups, each assigned to furnish and decorate a specific room within a housing unit. The sense of unity and teamwork was evident from the very beginning as each group received an envelope of cash after the morning Mass. This simple act not only represented the financial contribution of the school but also the trust placed in each team to use their resources wisely to make a meaningful difference. It was inspiring to see how the school community came together to raise funds for the cause and then put those funds to work in such a tangible way.

(Watch this video, produced by the St. Pius Elementary faculty, chronicling their day:)

As the groups ventured out into the community to shop for the necessary items, the atmosphere was one of excitement and focus. Each group was given the task of creating a welcoming and functional space—whether it was a bedroom, living room, or kitchen. The goal was not simply to fill the rooms with furniture, but to create an environment that would provide comfort and warmth for our client who would soon call it home. There was a collective sense of purpose as each team thoughtfully selected items, ensuring that everything was not only practical but also welcoming and uplifting.

Returning to the apartment, each group was eager to get to work. As they entered their assigned spaces, there was a clear sense of pride and joy in knowing that their contributions would directly impact someone's life. The apartment that had once felt cold and bare was transformed into a cozy, inviting space, filled with the personal touches that would make it feel like a true home. From arranging furniture to hanging curtains and setting up kitchenware, every detail was carefully considered with our client in mind.

The act of decorating and furnishing the apartment was not just about physical items; it was about providing dignity, comfort, and hope. By creating a space that felt safe and homely, the staff of St. Pius Elementary School was helping to restore a sense of stability and normalcy to someone they may never meet. The Homeless to Housewarmed Campaign is a reminder that, even in small acts, there is great power to change lives. The day of service was an opportunity for the faculty and staff to live out the values of kindness and compassion that they instill in their students every day.

In reflecting on the day, it’s clear that the faculty and staff of St. Pius Elementary School are not only dedicated educators but also passionate advocates for their community. Through their collective efforts, they brought warmth and hope into a home that would soon be filled with new beginnings. This experience serves as a beautiful reminder that service is not just about giving—it’s about creating lasting change that uplifts those in need.

If your school, church, or group is interested in learning more about our Homeless to Housewarmed campaign, reach out to Kayla Stansbury at kaylas@catholiccharitiesacadiana.org or (337) 235-4972 x1228