
Faith in Action: Pope Leo Village
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 Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to social justice and service, the movement invites individuals and groups to help build five homes at The Heights on St. Paul’s Greater East Side.
Pope Leo village is YOU—youth groups, faith communities, students, friends, and neighbors.
Email PLV@tchabitat.org to get involved!
Join Pope Leo Village
Participate in Pope Leo Village by volunteering! We're offering designated volunteer days at The Heights in 2026, with up to 15 volunteers on site per day. You can also volunteer with Pope Leo Village on another build site.
Join us to build homes and community while learning valuable skills. Volunteer days on build sites are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Each volunteer will get a t-shirt.
Twin Cities Habitat's Pope Leo Village is anchored at The Heights, a redevelopment of the 112-acre former Hillcrest Golf Course on St. Paul’s Greater East Side. This development will provide connection, affordable housing, and outdoor amenities. Five housing units are designated for Pope Leo Village: one single family home and two twin homes.
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Volunteer days at The Heights (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).
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Volunteer days on other build sites (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
Want to get involved in a different way? Under 16? No problem. Here are some other ways to support Pope Leo Village:
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Create welcome signs for new homeowners.
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Bake cookies for volunteers.
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Volunteer: ReStore home improvement outlets allow volunteers ages 14+. (Volunteer shifts are four hours.)
- Post content: Share photos or videos about Pope Leo Village on social media. #popeleovillage
Email PLV@tchabitat.org to get started with volunteer registration!
Typical Volunteer Day
Many first-time volunteers have questions about volunteering on a Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity build site. What if I have no construction experience? And what should I expect during a volunteer day? In this video, you can find answers to those questions and more!
There are some things you and your volunteers need to know before coming out to site. Please take time to read the following information and share it with volunteers.
What to Bring:
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Volunteers must wear sturdy, closed toe, closed heel shoes to participate (tennis shoes or work boots are great).
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Please bring refillable water bottles to site. We will have water on site to replenish your bottles.
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Bring work gloves if you’d like to use your own. All sites will also have some available for use.
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Lunch is not provided by Habitat. If your group is not providing lunch, please bring your own. Volunteers are discouraged from leaving site for lunch.
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Face mask if you choose to wear one.
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Please read our full Volunteer Guidelines for more details and age requirements.
Still curious? Hear from past volunteers in their own words!
Help fund Pope Leo Village's five affordable homes at The Heights and expand homeownership across the Twin Cities!
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Donate directly to Pope Leo Village.
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Start a peer-to-peer fundraising page and mobilize your network.
- Fundraising support materials (check out the Partner Hub!)
Gifts provide construction materials, help keep homes affordable, and make a difference in our local community. Celebrate and support the values of Pope Leo XIV!
If you have any questions about donating or fundraising, please email PLV@tchabitat.org.
Thank you answering the call to service!
We'll be adding resources to this page to help you maximize your experience with Pope Leo Village. If there’s anything else you need, please email PLV@tchabitat.org.
Whether you participate through one build day or become long-term champions, your involvement makes a profound difference.
Customizable flyer (downloadable PDF)
Coming soon!
Events
Check back for special events.
Bulletin copy
Your church bulletin is a great way to spread the message of Pope Leo Village. Use the following text in your own publication.
Option 1:
Join Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s Pope Leo Village campaign to help build safe, affordable homes for local families. There are many ways to get involved—including volunteering, fundraising, donating, or serving at ReStore locations across the Twin Cities. Learn more and sign up at tchabitat.org/plv.
Option 2:
Our congregation is invited to participate in Pope Leo Village, a special nation-wide Habitat for Humanity initiative bringing communities together to build homes and hope, inspired by the values of Pope Leo XIV. Partner with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity to make a local impact on this campaign through volunteering, donating, fundraising, or serving on a build site or at ReStores across the metro. Everyone can play a part in creating affordable homeownership opportunities for families in our community. Learn more at tchabitat.org/plv.
Social media sharing
Your support means so much to us! We love to see you share Pope Leo Village on social media with the hashtag: #PopeLeoVillage. Please tag us so we can celebrate your involvement and help amplify your impact.
Facebook: @twincitieshabitat
Instagram: @twincitieshabitat
LinkedIn: Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
X: @twincitieshabitat
Take a photo with the Pope Leo Village banner (and wear your t-shirt!) and consider sharing it along with other moments from your volunteer experience. You’re welcome to copy and paste the posts below or adapt them in a way that feels authentic to you. If you’re interested in a social collaboration, please DM us on Facebook or Instagram.
Sample posts:
Announcement Post:
“In that service to others we may find that coming together in friendship, building up community, we too can find true meaning in our lives.” – Pope Leo XIV
Excited to announce that [Your School/Faith Community] is joining the Pope Leo Village! We’re partnering with @twincitieshabitat to help build five affordable homes at The Heights development in St. Paul and expand homeownership across the Twin Cities. Stay tuned for ways YOU can get involved through volunteering, fundraising, and giving.
Progress Update:
🎉 Amazing news! Our [school/faith community] community has raised $[amount] and logged [number] volunteer hours for Pope Leo Village with @twincitieshabitat! Thank you to everyone who’s supporting us! Let’s keep building homes, community, and hope – [share your fundraising link].
Volunteering Post:
This is what faith in action looks like. We had an incredible day supporting Pope Leo Village with @twincitieshabitat! Together, we’re building affordable homes for our community.
Volunteer t-shirts
Every volunteer who signs up through a Pope Leo Village Partner will receive an exclusive Pope Leo Village t-shirt as a thank-you for putting their faith into action. Shirts will be available on-site at the location where volunteers serve—either a build site or one of our ReStores. t-shirts and specific sizes will be offered while supplies last on a first-come, first-served basis.
We also recognize that not everyone is able to physically volunteer. If your school or faith community would like to offer t-shirts to additional members who are participating in other meaningful ways, please contact plv@tchabitat.org to arrange pick-up or distribution.
These shirts help build visibility, unity, and excitement across the campaign. Proudly show you’re part of Pope Leo Village by posting a photo wearing your t-shirt, using the hashtag #PopeLeoVillage, and tagging Twin Cities Habitat!
Website recognition
As a Pope Leo Village Partner, your school or faith community will be recognized on our campaign webpage. This not only celebrates your commitment to building homes and hope, it also helps inspire others to join the movement.
When people see a growing community of partners living their values through service, generosity, and collective action, it strengthens the momentum of the entire campaign.
To confirm how you would like your name listed (e.g., parish name, faith community name, school name, ministry/group name), please email plv@tchabitat.org.
“In that service to others we may find that coming together in friendship, building up community, we too can find true meaning in our lives.” – Pope Leo XIV
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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What is Pope Leo Village?
Pope Leo Village is part of a national Habitat for Humanity initiative bringing together people of all faiths, identities, and generations to build homes, community, and hope. Thanks to an anonymous donor inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to social justice and service, the campaign will unite people of all identities and backgrounds, bringing together communities across the country to build and preserve affordable homeownership.
Here in the Twin Cities, Pope Leo Village is about turning faith into action—together. It strengthens our mission, broadens our community, and helps build more affordable homes in the Twin Cities. -
Why is it called “Pope Leo Village”?
The initiative is inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s values of service, social justice, compassion, and community. “Village” reflects what makes Habitat unique: people coming together—neighbors, volunteers, donors, and homebuyers—to build something bigger than any one person could do alone.
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What does Pope Leo Village support in the Twin Cities?
Locally, Pope Leo Village supports Twin Cities Habitat’s work to:
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Build new affordable homes at The Heights in St. Paul and around the Twin Cities
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Expand access to homeownership for families across our region
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Create opportunities for Faith in Action
Every dollar raised here stays here to support local families and strengthen Twin Cities communities.
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What are the goals of this campaign?
Pope Leo Village will raise $250,000 to support the construction of five homes at The Heights while engaging more than 225 volunteers in 2026. We’re turning compassion into construction!
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Do I need experience to join?
You don’t need prior experience or a specific background to be part of this effort. Twin Cities Habitat provides training, tools, and support on site. Whether it’s your first time picking up a hammer or you’re a seasoned DIYer, you’ll be welcomed and guided every step of the way.
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Is this a faith-based initiative?
Habitat was founded on faith-based principles, but our work is inclusive and open to all. Pope Leo Village welcomes people of every background and belief who want to come together to make a difference.
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Is Pope Leo Village for Catholics only?
No. Pope Leo Village is explicitly interfaith and community wide. People of all faith traditions and people with no religious affiliation are welcome.
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Which other Habitat affiliates are involved?
Twin Cities Habitat is proud to join Habitat affiliates in Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Greater Des Moines, Greater Raleigh, Milwaukee, Nashville, Omaha, Orange County, Philadelphia, Portland, San Antonio, St. Louis, Tampa Bay Hillsborough, and Wichita.
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How can I get involved?
There are many ways to be part of Pope Leo Village in the Twin Cities:
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Volunteer on designated Pope Leo Village build days at The Heights. Email PLV@tchabitat.org to get started.
- Volunteer on another build site in the Twin Cities in support of Pope Leo Village.
- Volunteer at ReStore home improvement outlets (great option for those ages 14+).
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Donate to support affordable homebuilding. [link to PLV donation page]
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Start a fundraiser with friends, family, or coworkers.
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Partner with us as an organization or community group to help spread the word.
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Use prayer and reflection to lift up this work, the families served, and all those involved in building homes and hope.
However you choose to participate, you’re helping build more than homes. You’re building stability and opportunity.
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Where does my donation go?
Gifts to Pope Leo Village directly support Twin Cities Habitat’s mission. Donations help cover the cost of building homes so more local families can access safe, stable, and affordable homeownership.
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When are the Pope Leo Village build days at The Heights?
Pope Leo Village is rooted at The Heights development in St. Paul. Designated volunteer dates will be available in July and September.
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Can my group participate if we can't volunteer at The Heights?
Absolutely! While Pope Leo Village is centered around five homes at The Heights development in St. Paul, groups can participate in many ways across the Twin Cities.
Volunteer shifts at other Habitat build sites, ReStore locations, fundraising activities, and community engagement opportunities can all be part of the Pope Leo Village effort. We want everyone to have a meaningful way to participate regardless of location or schedule.
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How do Habitat homebuyers benefit?
Families partner with Twin Cities Habitat to purchase homes with affordable mortgages. Along the way, they invest time in homeownership education and skill-building. The result is long-term stability for families and stronger neighborhoods for all of us.
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How can I stay connected?
Start the volunteer process or learn more by emailing PLV@tchabitat.org or fillling out the form below. And follow Twin Cities Habitat on social media for updates on Pope Leo Village and other ways to get involved:
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Who do I contact with questions?
For questions about volunteering or for media inquiries, please fill out the form below or email plv@tchabitat.org.
Get Involved
Have questions or ready to get started? Please fill out the form below. For media inquiries, please email plv@tchabitat.org.
Look good!
Shop our online store! Volunteers earn points that can be used toward Habitat swag (shirts, hats, water bottles, and more). You can also purchase merch!
Beyond the Build
Beyond volunteering, you can make a donation, become a housing advocate, support ReStore, or attend events.
Annual Report
Thank you for powering our mission to bring people together to create, preserve, and promote affordable homeownership and advance racial equity in housing.
Support ReStore
Shop, donate, or volunteer at ReStore Home Improvement Outlets in the metro area. All revenue supports Twin Cities Habitat’s work.


