Housing counseling
Encounter at Catholic Charities
September 26 marked the first-ever Housing Counselor Day, a national celebration established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and housing agencies across the country.
It’s a day to recognize housing counselors — dedicated individuals helping clients navigate everything from home purchases to foreclosure prevention, rental assistance, and homelessness prevention.
As a housing counselor, my mission is to empower our neighbors here in central and northern Missouri by providing education and connecting them with vital resources that support their housing goals.
Bishop Shawn W. McKnight recently shared a powerful vision during his annual address to the staff of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO).
He emphasized collaboration with the parishes across the Diocese of Jefferson City, aligning with CCCNMO’s mission to ensure the well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.
As our website proclaims: “We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good.”
This message deeply resonated with me.
My husband and I have always felt that God opens doors at pivotal moments in our lives.
It happened when we first met in college and realized we shared the same hometown, and again when he accepted a job in Jefferson City, giving us the opportunity to raise our children in a close-knit community.
When Bishop McKnight spoke about the potential for Catholic Charities to work hand-in-hand with parishes on social concerns, it felt like yet another door had opened for me — this time, inviting me to focus on how we can partner with local church communities to tackle housing challenges together.
After passing HUD’s certification requirements, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as a housing counselor.
Being able to offer guidance and resources to struggling community members is a gift.
I would love to connect with parishes to discuss the housing challenges they are witnessing and work together to develop creative solutions.
Since embarking on this journey, I’ve witnessed countless struggles that our clients face every day — families on the brink of homelessness, individuals battling illness while facing eviction, and even those living in their cars.
But the stories that impact me the most are those of mothers and children living out of their vehicles, trapped in cycles of financial hardship and toxic environments.
These issues cannot be solved by one agency alone.
The solution lies in working collaboratively with local resources — parish communities, churches and agencies — to build a network of support.
A common theme that comes up in conversations with clients is social isolation.
Many tell me they have no family or friends they can turn to in difficult times, while others are new to Missouri and still establishing community connections.
Some find Catholic Charities through referrals, but others simply don’t know where to start.
Over the past six months, I’ve been inspired to help clients access resources they never thought were possible.
Whether it’s securing homeownership or simply lending a listening ear, their gratitude drives me to seek the best solutions for each individual’s needs.
Through the mission of Catholic Charities, I am committed to helping our community members secure adequate, safe and clean housing.
As I continue in my role, I find myself reflecting more and more on the profound impact that stable housing has on every facet of life — health, education and family stability.
The work we do is about much more than providing immediate resources; it’s about fostering long-term relationships within the community and raising awareness of the resources available.
So many individuals don’t know where to turn for help, but through partnerships with local organizations, schools and businesses, we can build stronger connections and spread the word about the assistance that’s out there.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore new initiatives that can strengthen our community’s response to housing instability.
Whether through larger advocacy efforts or more localized resource fairs, each step forward makes a difference.
And we need everyone’s involvement — parish members, business owners and concerned citizens alike.
Your support can make a tangible impact.
Together, let’s build a future where every member of our community has access to safe and affordable housing.
Let’s be the hands of Christ, reaching out to empower and uplift our neighbors.
Together, we can make that vision a reality.
