André House is a ministry to the homeless and poor populations of the Phoenix area supported by staff and volunteers. Last summer the pandemic threw a wrench in their structure as it eliminated the use of their volunteer network. At the same time, they still had daily guests that were more in need than ever before.
“We were scrambling trying to figure out how we could find “safe” help,” explains Fr. Dan Ponisciak, C.S.C., director of André House. “The priests and seminarians at Holy Cross had been in quarantine and were able and willing to help. Our Holy Cross men really delivered when we needed it. Hospitality, clean-up, cooking – whatever was necessary they took care of it. It was a blessing.”
If you haven’t had the chance, those experiences are documented below, in the Spes Unica blog.
This summer Fr. Dan is looking forward to whatever a new normal brings. The good news is that the dining room will be open to serve food on August 30th. Right now, it is open for heat relief and some services, but using it for its original purpose will be a welcome change. The Congregation of Holy Cross, U.S. Province, is sending four seminarians to assist at André House this summer. We look forward to reading about their experiences as well as they help with the transition.
Located in the heart of the Capital Mall District, André House make services available to hundreds of people in need every day. André House was founded by two Holy Cross Priests in 1984, combining elements of the Catholic Worker movement with the charism of the Congregation of Holy Cross. They dedicate themselves to serving Jesus through others, as we are all challenged in the Gospel, “…I was a stranger, and you welcomed me. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)
