On a crisp and beautiful Saturday morning in October, five Saint Clement parishioners volunteered with H.O.M.E. (Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly) to weatherize the windows in the homes of seniors in Avalon Park, on the far south side. The kits they installed will help insulate the homes and therefore keep them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing the heating and cooling costs for the residents.

Parishioner Luana Radix was among the volunteers. She reflects, "Once we got the hang of the kits, the work went quickly and the homeowners seemed to really appreciate the assistance. I was humbled that they were willing to let perfect strangers into their homes, the most sacred of spaces. This is difficult to admit, but I'm a social worker and I find it challenging to make time outside of work to serve in the community. I'm not proud of it, but there it is. This was a first step in remedying that. Hearing 'pray, serve, give' every week at Mass certainly has an effect." 

H.O.M.E. helps Chicago's underserved, low-income seniors maintain their independence by providing services such as home upkeep and repair; a free bus to assist those who have limited mobility or live in food deserts to have access to groceries, pharmacies and medical services; and owning and managing three affordable buildings where seniors can choose between individual apartments or, for residents who need some assistance, shared living. Visit www.homeseniors.org for more information.  

Mike Laz, Operations and Volunteer Coordinator for H.O.M.E., writes: "On behalf of H.O.M.E. and our senior clients, we would like to thank the members of Saint Clement Church who volunteered their time and helped us weatherize two homes in the community. The members of Saint Clement's have been great partners with H.O.M.E. for this and many other activities. We as well as our clients are forever grateful."