Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan set to open 'The Residences at St. Matthew' at Detroit parish; honors Archbishop Vigneron
LIVONIA — Nearly 400 people gathered to celebrate Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, learn about its latest projects, and honor the winners of the nonprofit's annual "Time, Talent and Treasure" awards Sept. 12 at Laurel Manor in Livonia.
The gala highlighted Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan's featured mission, the Residences at St. Matthew, a new affordable housing development that will repurpose the former St. Matthew School building on Detroit’s east side. The residence, set to open in a few months, will have 46 units, 25 of which will be reserved for formerly homeless households.
“Jesus knew what it was like to have no place to lay his head, even then though he had something that no homeless person or even you or I have, which is perfect communion with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,” Catholic Charities CEO Paul Propson said during remarks given at the gala. “(Jesus) did not experience that loneliness that a homeless person has; they have no place to lay their head, but they also don’t have that communion with their neighbors because homelessness is not just about money, it is much more about isolation.
"Can you imagine being unwelcome in every home in all of southeastern Michigan? To be the prodigal son and have no family home to return to?" Propson continued. "Now, what if we, together, welcome one isolated, hurting person into a community of acceptance, safety, warmth and friendship?”
The Residences at St. Matthew are Catholic Charities' first affordable housing units, made possible by partnerships with St. Matthew Parish, Cinnaire Solutions, Ethos Development Partners, Ascension Michigan, KMG Prestige and civic leaders.
Each unit will have its own bed, kitchen, bathroom and shower. Catholic Charities staff will be on site to ensure each resident has access to food, counseling, support groups, job training, and health care, Propson said. Above all, he added, Jesus will always be present in the Eucharist next door at St. Matthew Parish.
“The first ‘yes’ that we needed was the yes from the parish,” Propson said. “At every Mass, the parish has in their petitions (one for) the future of their (former) school. We brought our project to them, and they received that as an answer to their prayers.”
In a video presentation shown at the gala, Propson said he hopes the project will be the first of many residences to come, as it not only aligns with Catholic Charities' mission to live out and unleash the Gospel, but also with the city of Detroit’s mission to reduce homelessness.
“We are having a great deal of success in the city getting folks who have been living on the streets (off of them),” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in the featured video. “To change people’s lives, oftentimes they need help with mental issues and are dealing with substance issues and financial issues, and permanent supportive housing has been extremely effective. It helps folks get on their feet … and now you’ve got one right here in the neighborhood on the east side.”
In a letter to the future residents, which he read aloud, Propson expressed how happy he and the rest of Catholic Charities' staff are to welcome residents home.
“We are here to serve you. It’s our joy to help you love it here,” Propson read. “The prophet Jeremiah proclaimed, ‘For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.’ Welcome home. We are so grateful to have been a part of the Lord’s plans to welcome you to the Residences at St. Matthew.”
In addition to learning about the new mission, patrons and guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner and silent auction, with all funds raised supporting the Residences at St. Matthew. Former Detroit television personality Chuck Gaidica served as the evening’s master of ceremonies.
The gala also included the presentation of Catholic Charities' “Time, Talent and Treasure” awards. Msgr. Charles Kosanke, chairman of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan’s board of directors, presented the 2024 awards.
Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron was presented with the Leonard R. Jagels Award, which honors the memory of former Catholic Social Services director Leonard Jagels.
“There is one man who is responsible for the vision and starting of Catholic Social Services in southeast Michigan,” Msgr. Kosanke said while presenting the award. “That vision was born in 2011, and it’s because of (Archbishop Vigneron's) vision and his constant support as president of the board and in many, many other ways that Catholic Charities is what it is today. He has done everything he can to support the mission. He’s very mission centered … he puts the teachings of the Catholic Church into practice.”
This year’s Outstanding Parish Award was presented to St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Madison Heights, which was honored for its support of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, in particular its Walking with Moms in Need program.
“This award honors a parish in the Archdiocese of Detroit that is committed to charity in its community. Whether through a project, a hosted program, a collection or dedicated Christian service, it shares Christ’s love to help better the lives of those around it,” Msgr. Kosanke said.
Alliance Catholic Credit Union received this year’s award for Outstanding Organization.
“Alliance Catholic Credit Union for years have consistently partnered with Catholic Charities,” Msgr. Kosanke said. “Their continuous support, leadership, and community engagement exemplify the spirit of collaboration and service. Alliance Catholic Credit Union consistently assists sponsors and serves dozens of other organizations in our community that are dedicated to the works of mercy."
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