Building Homes. Strengthening Community. Inspiring Service.

What is Pope Leo Village?

Pope Leo Village honors Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, and reflects the vision of an anonymous donor who wanted faith to inspire action. The project is part of a growing national Habitat effort — with Pope Leo Villages launching across the nation — uniting communities through prayer, generosity, and service.

Here in Cleveland, 11 homes are on track to be completed in 2026 with the rest finished by 2027. Families will help build and purchase their homes with affordable mortgages, planting roots that will strengthen the entire neighborhood.

For more information, see last year's news release.

There are multiple ways to get involved.

All Clevelanders moved by the Chicago-born pope are invited to support this campaign through donating, fundraising, and/or volunteering. Be part of something bigger and join our “village” of compassion and service.  

Pope Leo Village is Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity’s newest affordable housing initiative. Named to honor Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to service, this project will bring 15 new affordable homes to the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood on Elwell Avenue — homes that local families will help build and purchase with affordable mortgages. 

The campaign is supported by an anonymous donor inspired by Pope Leo’s call to service and commitment to others.

Special Large Group Volunteer Days

*Please note: Volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an active guardian. We ask for one or more adults to watch over every four youth.

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Individual Volunteering

Join the regular crew to volunteer for a day on the Pope Leo Village Street. 

What to Expect on a Build Day:

• Start/End Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM 
• Lunch: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 
• Typical Work includes framing, painting, interior finishes, landscape and more 
• Provided: T-Shirt, tools, safety equipment, training 
• Bring: Lunch, closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty, and a positive attitude 

Email Kim Pride at kpride@clevelandhabitat.org for more information or to sign-up.
 

Small Group Volunteering (Up to 8 people)

We will periodically list dates for small groups. However, in the meantime, if you have a group and would like to clean lots, rake leaves, paint, or help fundraise - send an email to Kim. We may be able to determine a date together. 

*Please note: Volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an active guardian. We ask for one or more adults to watch over every four youth.

Email Kim Pride at kpride@clevelandhabitat.org for more information.

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Hear What Student Volunteers Had to Say.

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Celebrations 

As our homes are completed and sold to families, we will hold a dedication ceremony to celebrate the work and effort of all. Check back for dates. We are building 15 homes and will be celebrating this progress throughout 2026 and 2027.

All volunteers, partners, and community members are invited.

• Visit: We are holding tours of Pope Leo Village to see our work first-hand. Contact Kim to attend.
• Pray: Join together in prayer for the volunteers, donors, and families who will be part of Pope Leo Village.
• Volunteer: Sign up for individual or group build days (coming soon!)
• Give: Support families directly through an easy donation form here
• Share: Use our faith community resource kits in bulletins, services, and classrooms to spread the word. (coming soon!).

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