Building Futures, Preserving Legacies

By Barb Arland-Fye, MPTh, Editor of The Catholic Messenger and Josh Graves, Director of Marketing Development.

In 1987, a group of dedicated individuals, including members of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary (CHM) in Davenport, gathered monthly to address the pressing needs of the Quad Cities community.

Among the many issues discussed, one stood out: affordable housing. This marked the beginning of a journey that led the CHM sisters to develop a multi-pronged approach to affordable housing, now known as Humility Homes and Services (HHSI), which has uplifted thousands of individuals and families.
Sister Mary Ann Vogel, a founder and current board member of HHSI, and Sister Johanna Rickl (CHM president), have been a driving force behind the effort to provide affordable housing solutions and support services to individuals and families in need.

Sister Mary Ann recalls how she and other members of their congregation chartered a bus to Washington, D.C., in October 1989 to participate in a historic march to end homelessness. Joined by students and community members, they raised their voices in solidarity with tens of thousands of others, chanting, "What do we want?" - HOUSING! "When do we want it?" --NOW! They demanded immediate action to address the housing crisis.

In response, the CHM sisters undertook the arduous work to address homelessness 32 years ago, after engaging in research, reflection, and conversations with the greater Quad Cities community. The sisters opened their first apartment building to provide affordable homes to four families. Through the years, HHSI acquired more properties to benefit individuals and families in the Quad Cities. Today, more than 350 persons participate collectively in HHSI’s shelter and housing programs each day.

“We’re trying to meet the needs of the people. There are such a variety of needs,” Sister Mary Ann says. “We have to provide good homes for people. But also important is providing the services they need to become more self-sufficient. We have a great staff who care about the people they work for.”

She acknowledges that the great need for equitable and affordable housing in the Quad Cities region requires community support. “You know you have made a difference because other people help make it possible. It’s a community project,” Sister Mary Ann said. “We are so appreciative of the support we’ve received in those 30-some years and the difference it makes in the lives of so many people.”

In tribute to the CHM sisters for their commitment to and advocacy on behalf of fair and equitable housing for all people, we ask that you support our 1-1 Endowment fund match with Moline Regional Community Foundation, supporting our services and housing opportunities now and in the future. Visit https://bit.ly/HumilityLegacy or click the “Support Our Mission” button below.