Serving Our Neighbors: Catholic Charities Puts Faith into Action
A warm meal. A safe place to sleep. Help navigating a financial crisis. Someone to advocate for an older adult who has no one else to turn to.
Through Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo, these everyday needs become opportunities to put Christ’s love into action, serving individuals and families throughout northwest Ohio regardless of their faith or background.
On Sunday, November 15, the Catholic Church observes the World Day of the Poor, an annual invitation to recognize the dignity of people experiencing poverty and respond to their needs. Pope Francis established the observance at the conclusion of the Jubilee of Mercy in 2016, placing it on the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Leo XIV, is “The Lord is the refuge of the poor” (cf. Psalm 14:6). In his message for the day, the Holy Father calls Christians to examine how they welcome, listen to and accompany people experiencing poverty.
In the Diocese of Toledo, that invitation takes shape year-round through Catholic Charities’ ministries, which address immediate needs while helping people work toward greater stability.
“Being men and women who bring hope to others—that’s the mission behind what we do here at Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo,” writes Rodney Schuster, executive director, in his message on the agency’s website.
“At Catholic Charities, our work of hope is about more than just giving those in need food to eat or a roof over their head. It’s about helping people become self-sustaining and realizing God’s will for them. Life transformation is our goal.”
At Helping Hands of St. Louis in East Toledo, hospitality begins with a hot meal and a welcoming place to gather. The ministry serves meals Monday through Friday, welcoming guests without questions about religious affiliation, residency or eligibility. Its outreach also includes a choice food pantry, a clothing center, hygiene supplies and showers for people experiencing homelessness.
In Mansfield, Catholic Charities’ HOPE Food Pantry serves Richland County residents, allowing guests to select food according to their household’s needs. Donations from churches, community organizations, individuals and food drives help stock the pantry, while volunteers help make its work possible.
For families experiencing homelessness, Catholic Charities offers shelter and support. La Posada Family Emergency Shelter in Toledo provides temporary housing along with food, clothing, personal hygiene products and case management.
Miriam House in Norwalk serves women, including pregnant women, and their children who are experiencing homelessness. Open to women from across the diocese’s service area, the transitional housing program provides a stable place to live while residents receive guidance, develop skills and prepare for independent housing.
Catholic Charities also helps individuals and families facing financial difficulties through its Crisis Navigation Services in Bryan, Toledo, Sandusky, Norwalk, and Mansfield. Staff help people assess their needs and connect with community resources. Depending on the county, eligibility and available resources, assistance may address housing, rent or mortgage payments, transportation, medical expenses and other essential needs.
Financial education helps participants build skills they can use beyond an immediate crisis. In Mansfield, one-on-one financial counseling and workshops cover household budgeting, credit, consumer protection and avoiding scams and predatory lending. In Erie County, Catholic Charities’ Furniture Ministry connects donated household furniture with neighbors in need.
Other ministries serve people whose needs may be less visible. Through Adult Advocacy Services, Catholic Charities provides court-appointed guardianship for adults age 55 and older in Erie, Huron and Richland counties who cannot make necessary decisions and have no appropriate family member to help. The ministry advocates for people whose circumstances may include dementia, illness, isolation, abuse or financial exploitation.
Its Jail and Prison Ministries support spiritual care in correctional facilities and treatment centers throughout the diocese. Volunteers also help people returning to their communities through practical assistance, mentoring and opportunities for spiritual support, while accompanying families affected by incarceration.
The agency’s broader work includes disaster relief, respect life education and advocacy, and confidential support after abortion through Project Rachel for women and The Joseph Ministry for men. Together, these ministries reflect a commitment to the dignity of people facing many different hardships.
The World Day of the Poor offers an opportunity to learn about these services, share them with someone who needs help and consider how to participate. Individuals, families, parishes and schools can support Catholic Charities through volunteering, financial gifts and donations of needed items.
“I also invite you to join us in bringing hope to others through prayer, volunteering or financial support,” Schuster writes. “Your help can make an impact in the lives of so many!”
For those seeking assistance, services and eligibility vary by location and program. Visit CatholicCharitiesNWO.org or call 419-214-4869 to learn more about receiving help or supporting Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo.
Posted November 13, 2026 at 8:00 am