Homelessness in the United States is a widespread issue that is growing. On a single night in January 2023, 653,104 people experienced homelessness—an increase of 12.1% from the previous year (endhomelessness.org). Among this number, more than 200,000 individuals were living in unsheltered conditions, including those sleeping on the streets or in abandoned buildings. These numbers are not just statistics—they are our neighbors, our fellow human beings, worthy of dignity and love.
No Address Official Trailer
Living The Corporal Works Of Mercy
Growing up in a humble family in Massachusetts, my parents instilled in my brother and me the importance of loving and serving the marginalized, especially those experiencing homelessness. From a young age, my parents ensured that we understood the true meaning of the corporal works of mercy—not just memorizing them, but living them out in our daily lives. I vividly remember the first time I helped serve the homeless at Reebok’s headquarters on Thanksgiving morning. At 10 years old, the experience was daunting and filled with the unknown. But over time, I began to see the humanity of the men, women, and children arriving for a hot meal. Soon after, I knew that I would dedicate my life to serving those experiencing homelessness.
In high school, I took a Catholic Social Teaching course where my teacher invited us one Saturday to join her in Boston to volunteer at the Haley House, a local soup kitchen. Little did I know, this would soon become my second home. The more I served, the less self-absorbed I became, and my heart turned towards others. I began to see the eyes of each person I encountered transform into the eyes of Christ. Isn’t that what true love is? To be Christ to others and to see Christ in others? Come college, I began serving on mission trips to Christ In The City located in Denver, Colorado and my commitment to this mission of serving the homeless only deepened. The love I have for the marginalized has never wavered. Once you open your eyes to the struggles of those around you—especially the homeless—your perspective changes forever, and your love only grows stronger.
Yet, perhaps not out of malice, we often avoid those who look, smell, or live differently than we do. Many have become conditioned to ignore the people we see every day on the streets. “No Address,” a film premiering on February 28th, seeks to address this very issue by telling the stories of individuals who are living displaced lives. Producer Robert Craig handles the topic of homelessness with sensitivity and reverence, encouraging viewers to love their neighbors and see their humanity. The film convicts the heart and challenges us to stop passing by those who are struggling, offering instead a moment of acknowledgment and compassion. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ashanti and William Baldwin, the stars of the film, to discuss their upcoming roles, the film, and homelessness. You can watch our conversation here.
What Can Catholics Do To Help The Homeless?
What can we do to help? What small gesture can we make to those experiencing homelessness? Maybe tomorrow, as you walk to work, you’ll offer a smile to that man or woman panhandling on the side of the street. Or perhaps instead of avoiding eye contact, you’ll stop and ask the name of the young person holding the sign that says, “Jesus Loves You.” It doesn’t take much to make a difference—it just takes a willingness to see Christ in others.
As we reflect on this, let the Holy Spirit guide us to act with compassion, to serve those who are often unseen, and to be the hands and feet of Christ in our own communities. The corporal works of mercy are not abstract ideas—they are tangible actions that we can incorporate into our daily lives. We are called to love not just in words, but in actions. Will you answer that call? Answer the call and see No Address when it releases in movie theaters nationwide starting February 28. Watch the official trailer here.
About the Author: Monét Souza, founder of A Message of Hope, is a producer, speaker, TV show host, voiceover actor, emcee, and devout Catholic. She is passionate about leading people of all age groups into a deeper intimacy with God the Father. Throughout the year, Monét travels to different schools, Newman Centers, and parishes leading parish missions, retreats, and youth rallies. You can see more of her work at https://amhlifestyles.com and https://monetsouza.com
