Volunteers across Northeast Ohio will come together this Saturday, May 16 for a construction event to frame walls that will become people’s future homes as part of Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity’s Pope Leo Village initiative.

Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.Named to honor Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to service, the initiative will bring 15 new affordable homes to Elwell Avenue in the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood.

An anonymous donor launched the initiative in 2025 to honor Pope Leo’s commitment to service. The donor wanted to create opportunities for youth and adults—demonstrating how vital service to others is—especially now, when so many people need access to safe, affordable housing. He says he hopes these opportunities will help inspire friends and neighbors to join in.

As part of this collective effort, Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity will build 15 homes, with 11 to be completed in 2026 and the remaining homes expected to be completed in 2027.

At Pope Leo Village Wall Build Day on Saturday at Benedictine High School’s parking lot, volunteers will help frame 90 walls for one of the 15 Elwell Avenue homes.

Enjoy fellowship while gathering to help build a home for a local family. The walls will then be transported to the home build site.

Organizers are still looking for 23 volunteers to help build the walls. Two volunteers for snack drop-offs are still needed as well.

Selected local families will help build the homes and will then have the opportunity to purchase with affordable mortgages.

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity's Walk, Run, & Mosey will be in July at Edgewater Park.The Cleveland development is one of many similar initiatives taking place. Pope Leo Villages are taking shape nationwide—helping families achieve stability and independence through safe, affordable housing.

More than 20 Habitat for Humanity affiliates have committed to participating, with community leaders, faith partners, and youth participants working with future Habitat homeowners to build 235 affordable homes throughout the United States.

Local organizers involved in the initiative are engaging youth, students, and young adults, as well as many others as part of a faith-in-action movement, to build high-quality affordable housing for families within the Habitat for Humanity framework.

The event begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday in Benedictine’s main parking lot, 2934 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, on the south side of the school.

Walk, Run & Mosey

Additionally, save the date for Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity’s Walk, Run, & Mosey on Saturday, July 18 at Edgewater Park.

Whether racing a 5K or taking a casual stroll with friends, every participant helps support affordable homeownership in the community.

“The Walk is a moment where we can gather people of all ages and life stories,” says Kimberly Pride, Greater Cleveland Habitat director of development. “Both [groups] will have a lovely morning, but they also make a statement that affordable homeownership is important—that we all deserve a place to call home.”

The morning includes games, activities, refreshments, T-shirt decorating, music, and yoga, as well as a contest for the favorite decorated T-shirts. Greater Cleveland Habitat president and CEO John Litten will welcome participants before the walk steps off.

“The Habitat walk is in its 25th season, and it is our only fundraiser,” says Pride. “The funds help Habitat build homes to provide qualifying families with an affordable homeownership opportunity. All are welcome—some people run, some people walk, and some come out for coffee, fellowship, and to enjoy the lake. All of them are making a difference.”

Volunteer at Pope Leo Village.Registration is already open for Walk, Run, & Mosey, and the organization is accepting donations to support affordable homeownership.