Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is proud to introduce Pope Leo Village—a national interfaith movement uniting people of all backgrounds to build homes, community, and hope! Inspired by the values of Pope Leo XIV, the program embodies faith in action, inviting individuals and groups to roll up their sleeves and make a difference. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is the latest Habitat affiliate to join as a partner within the Pope Leo Village movement.
At its core, Pope Leo Village is a national interfaith movement bringing people together through service. Across the country, local Habitat for Humanity affiliates are launching their own Pope Leo Village programs by partnering with youth groups, schools, congregations, and community members to build affordable homes while inspiring the next generation of volunteers and leaders.
The movement combines homebuilding with meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and faith in action—giving people a tangible way to respond to the affordable housing crisis in their own communities.
"Twin Cities Habitat is excited to join the national Faith in Action movement known as Pope Leo Village, which unites people of all backgrounds to build homes, community, and hope," said Chris Coleman, President & CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. "At its heart, this program offers a pathway for people to come together in service and social justice action—especially young people and faith communities of all backgrounds."
The Pope Leo Village program was conceptualized and is sponsored by an anonymous donor who provides meaningful initial capital, a unifying vision, and a comprehensive approach. The donor was inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s call to justice, service, compassion, and human dignity, and helps each participating Habitat affiliate launch Pope Leo Village in a way that fits their local community.
Other Pope Leo Village projects located across the U.S. include Chicago (the Pope’s hometown and first Pope Leo Village site), Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Greater Des Moines, Tampa Bay-Hillsborough, Milwaukee, Nashville, Omaha, Orange County, Philadelphia, Portland, San Antonio, St. Louis, Greater Raleigh, and Wichita.
Collectively, Habitat for Humanity affiliates plan to build more than 235 affordable homes across the U.S. as part of the Pope Leo Village movement!
In the Twin Cities, Pope Leo Village will be anchored by the construction of five affordable homes at The Heights—one single-family home and two twin homes. This transformational development on St. Paul's Greater East Side will ultimately include nearly 150 Habitat homes, along with parks, trails, green space, public art, and community amenities.
Additional Pope Leo Village volunteer opportunities will be available at build sites across the metro and at our local ReStore home improvement outlets.
Pope Leo Village officially kicks off in the Twin Cities on July 8. A special celebration will feature speakers from Twin Cities Habitat and St. Catherine University, including President Dr. Marcheta Evans, students Leslie Varela and Samantha Schroeder, and Habitat homeowner Michelle. Following the event, students from St. Catherine University's Summer Scholars Program will begin construction on the first Pope Leo Village home!
"Social justice and Community are two of St. Kate's core values, which are reflected in our commitment to illuminating disparities and researching racial justice in housing in Ramsey County," said Dr. Marcheta Evans, President of St. Catherine University. "The opportunity to partner with Twin Cities Habitat as part of Pope Leo Village is all the more meaningful for our students and faculty who have participated in this research, because they can take that knowledge and turn it into action by building a welcoming community for all our neighbors. This is a true full-circle moment for them in their leadership journeys, and is why we are excited to be part of this event."
People of all faiths and backgrounds are invited to support Pope Leo Village! We will be designating Pope Leo Village build days July through early 2027. While the campaign is rooted at The Heights, you don't have to volunteer there to participate. Volunteers, donors, and faith communities can also participate in Habitat opportunities across the metro at other build sites and ReStore outlets. Simply email PLV@tchabitat.org to get started!
Want to get involved in a different way? No problem. Here are other ways to support Pope Leo Village:
We're grateful to launch Pope Leo Village alongside partners including St. Catherine University and Tres Iglesias—a collaboration among St. Frances Cabrini, St. Cecilia, and Prospect Park United Methodist. More schools, faith communities, and organizations will be announced in the months ahead.
If your school, parish, alumni association, or other group wants to build as part of Pope Leo Village, contact us! We'd love to hear from you. Email PLV@tchabitat.org to get started!
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