By Mathew Van Hoven of the Catholic Herald Staff

MILWAUKEE — In 1968, when the House of Peace opened in the inner city, 50 families received $5 each for holiday meals, according to Capuchin Br. Mark Carrico, the agency’s executive director.

Over the years the House of Peace’s holiday program has grown, and now it feeds 1,000 families in the archdiocese for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Donations of food, money, and volunteer time make the project possible, and according to Jim Van Hoven, Capuchin Minister to the House of Peace, the desire to help is spreading across Milwaukee.

“Although we still need 1,000 boxes for Christmas, as well as toy donations, the Thanksgiving boxes should be filled by Nov. 21 with the help of St. Anthony’s (Pewaukee) donations,” he said, “But (the staff members) are acting as if there haven’t been any donations. We don’t want to find ourselves in an emergency situation where we can’t give families their food. Besides, we still need to collect donations for the Christmas boxes.”

Another group, the Tosa Trio, headed up by youth minister Barb Abler and comprised of St. Pius X, Christ King and St. Bernard parishes, recently did the same. The Oct. 23 event included 9th through 12th graders, all of whom are preparing for or helping peers prepare for confirmation. Participating students were from Divine Savior Holy Angels, Wauwatosa East and West, Pius XI, Brookfield East, Rufus King and Sussex Hamilton high schools. Led by Abler and confirmed senior students, the group filled 250 boxes.

Other supporters of the House of Peace collection are M&I; Bank, Miller Brewing Company Employee Fund, Sentry Foods Stores on 76th between Lisbon and Capitol. Letterhead Press Inc. will provide enough food for 200 families of up to 10 people for Thanksgiving and Easter. The Milwaukee Bucks have donated 460 boxes for Thanksgiving. The Douglas McKey Christmas Club will donate food for Christmas.

According to Van Hoven, more churches want to get involved.

“This seems to be something people can really relate to. It’s about living our faith, it’s the Holy Spirit; we’ve gone from a handful of parishes when we started to about two dozen churches and some 2,000 volunteers,” Van Hoven said.

For families receiving the meals, the adage, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” holds true. In exchange for the food, they are asked to attend a free class offered by the House of Peace.

“(The classes) aren’t a punishment; they’re meant as part of the gift. Most people find they gained something from the class after it’s over. It’s a hand up kind of thing,” said Br. Carrico. Courses are about an hour long, with subjects like techniques in job searching, women’s issues and human trafficking.

Linda Barnes, an 18-year employee for Catholic Charities, works out of House of Peace as an outreach worker. She and Br. Carrico arrange the courses and recruit volunteers to teach them.

Br. Carrico said he wishes they could help more families, but he knows there’s only so much House of Peace can do. Barnes stressed the importance of community donations, noting that without that support, the program could not operate.

The program aims to give those in need more than just a meal, said Br. Carrico, referring to the free classes attached to the food baskets.

“Thanksgiving dinner always tastes better when you know you’ve helped someone be able to enjoy it as you are. That’s what the food basket program provides — food for those who need it and the opportunity for those capable to help,” said Van Hoven.

Br. Carrico said he wishes they could help more families, but he knows there’s only so much the House of Peace can do. Barnes stressed the importance of community donations, noting that without that support, the program could not operate.

Although the House of Peace receives high praise from Archbishop Dolan, it is a financially independent body. It’s a Capuchin ministry, but the Capuchins don’t fund it either. Br. Carrico stressed the importance of private donations, remarking that without continued support from the public, the House of Peace would be forced to close.

“Thanksgiving dinner always tastes better when you know you’ve helped someone be able to enjoy it as you are. That’s what the food basket program provides — food for those who need it and the opportunity for those capable to help,” said Van Hoven.

To donate food or money to the House of Peace call (414) 933-1300 or visit, 1702 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee

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