The award is the highest global recognition of community impact given and recognizes how the Council is making a difference for Toledo individuals and families transitioning into stable housing.
Maumee, Ohio, Aug. 5, 2025 — St. Joseph Maumee Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council 11370 won the 2025 International Community Program of the Year Award for its founding of Off the Streets Toledo and its transformative efforts to address homelessness in the greater Toledo area.
The award is the highest global recognition of community impact given by the Knights of Columbus. “This honor reflects the spirit of Faith in Action that has guided our Council. Inspired by Fr. Michael McGivney, we simply answered the Gospel call to serve,” Jim Domanski, Grand Knight of Council 11370, said.
Members of Council 11370 founded the Toledo Chapter of Off the Streets in 2021, and since then have helped more than 1,000 individuals — including over 500 children — move from homelessness into stable housing.
“This award isn’t just for the Knights. It reflects the dedication of hundreds of volunteers from St. Joseph Parish and other churches across the region,” Greg Schaffer, president of Off the Streets Toledo, said. “Every truck loaded, every prayer shared, and every home furnished is part of a bigger mission: restoring dignity and hope.”
Off the Streets Toledo is a sponsored ministry of St. Joseph Maumee Catholic Church. Every Saturday, teams gather to deliver furniture and household essentials to newly housed neighbors, offering prayer and encouragement.
“Off the Streets Toledo is a living expression of our parish’s sacred purpose: to engage the community, encounter Christ, and transform lives. This award is a beautiful affirmation of how the Holy Spirit moves when people of faith come together to serve,” St. Joseph Maumee Pastor Fr. Eric Schild said.
In May, the council was awarded with Ohio’s Community Program of the Year, making them eligible for the international honors. The Knights were honored at 143rd Knights of Columbus International Convention in Washington, D.C., on August 4, 2025.
Information about how to donate money or household furnishings or how to volunteer can be found on the Off the Streets Toledo website.
Posted August 15, 2025 at 10:22 am