On July 8, a group from St. Catherine University joined Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity to kick off the Twin Cities Pope Leo Village. Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to social justice and service, Pope Leo Village is a national interfaith movement bringing together volunteers and community members to build affordable homes.
The build began with a short celebration featuring remarks from speakers including Archbishop Bernard Hebda and a Habitat homeowner, as well as President Marcheta P. Evans, PhD, and students Leslie Varela ’27 and Samantha Schroeder ’27.
“This summer, our Summer Scholars are researching the lasting impact of racial covenants throughout our communities — policies that denied generations of families the opportunity to build wealth through homeownership,” said President Marcheta P. Evans, PhD. “What makes today especially meaningful is that our students are not only studying these issues — they are here rolling up their sleeves and becoming part of the solution.”
St. Kate's build team for the launch of this new Twin Cities initiative included 15 students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have been part of the Welcoming the Dear Neighbor? (WTDN) project. Through their involvement in Collaborative Research’s Summer Scholars program and Community Work and Learning community engagement efforts, WTDN team members have researched and educated on racial injustice in housing.
“While much of our summer is spent researching the history of housing, today is an opportunity to move from research into action,” said Schroeder at the event. “Building this home with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity reminds us that housing isn't just something we study, it's something that shapes people's lives and communities.”
WTDN has been an interdisciplinary effort across the last seven years in collaboration with Mapping Prejudice, Ramsey County, and local community partners to build a map of racial covenants in Ramsey County and research this lesser known history as well as the current day economic and health impacts. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to closing the racial gap of home ownership in Minnesota makes it a natural partner for WTDN and allows for connection across institutions.
“We are honored to be working alongside St. Kate’s in our mission of bringing people together to advance racial equity in housing,” said Lizzie Hutchins, senior engagement associate at Habitat for Humanity. “Cheers to putting faith into action and inspiring others to do the same!"
Following the program, the St. Kate’s team began construction, raising the walls on what will be the first Pope Leo Village home. Pope Leo Village plans to construct five affordable homes at The Heights on St. Paul’s Greater East Side, including one single-family home and two twin homes. Nationwide, the movement plans to build more than 235 affordable homes in cities across the country.
Jasmine Koch ’25, MPH’26, who participated in the build, reflected: “Spending the day building homes with Habitat for Humanity strengthened my understanding of the intersectional factors that impact homeownership and housing security. This partnership with Habitat for Humanity will create sustainable opportunities for individuals and families to own their own homes, and to strengthen skill development through hands-on, community service.”
Read more
MPR News: Twin Cities Habitat showcases new affordable homes at St. Paul’s The Heights
The Catholic Spirit: Archbishop Hebda, young adults lend a hand in Pope Leo Village wall raising in St. Paul