Engage with Catherine’s House
A popular quote states, “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a longtime ago.” At Catherine’s House, we address the needs of the whole person, not just a piece of this complex issue. We are not a “shelter” but a transitional HOME for women and children experiencing homelessness. When you donate to Catherine’s House, you know you are becoming a part of our family; good families nurture, support, and care for one another in a way that mimics the love of God. Our mission is aligned with that of the Sisters of Mercy-“to improve the quality of life for the economically poor, especially women (&) children…” We help women in a variety of ways- a comfortable bed, a warm room, and friendly surroundings are just the start of how we assist women and children we serve. We also focus on employment, building financial security, and ensuring there are safe facilities for the children, as well as trauma-informed resources to address the psychological aspects of the mental and emotional wounds created by homelessness. Catherine’s House also has an aftercare program that allows our women to access a multitude of resources after they leave our home. This includes access to our food pantry, hygiene supplies, and computers as well as continued emotional support as they continue their journey. We focus on empowerment.
We invite you to take a tour of our home, participate in any of our special events, and consider making a one-time donation or becoming a part of our monthly giving program. Life is full of good times and bad, unfortunately no demographic is immune to the effects of poverty. By collaborating with Catherine’s House, you truly are helping your sister, your friend, your neighbors, and your family.
Events
Belmont Turkey Trot 5K
Catherine’s House is excited to host the Belmont Turkey Trot 5K this year on Thanksgiving morning at 8a (Thursday, November 26, 2026). Proceeds from this donation-only 5K will support our mission of mercy to love and empower women and children experiencing homelessness through safe housing and services that build self-sufficiency. Bring your family, your dogs, and your best costume!
Annual Car Raffle
For years, the Catherine’s House Car Raffle has been more than a fundraiser — it has been a tradition rooted in community, compassion, and hope. Through the incredible support of local parishes across North Carolina, this event has helped us share our mission of mercy with thousands while raising critical support for women and children seeking safety, stability, and a fresh start.
As we enter the final year of our Car Raffle, we invite you to be part of this meaningful last ride. This closing chapter is both a celebration of the lives changed through the years and an opportunity to continue making an impact for families rebuilding their futures.
When you purchase a raffle ticket, you are not only entered for a chance to win a brand-new vehicle — you are helping provide shelter, support, and hope to the women and children who call Catherine’s House home. Throughout the raffle season, our staff and volunteers will once again visit parishes across North Carolina, sharing stories of transformation and gratitude with the communities who have faithfully supported this mission year after year.
Car raffle tickets will also be available online through December 2nd. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates, parish visits, and the official car reveal.
Home for the Holidays
This holiday season, we invite you to join the journey of transformation that our facility, and those we serve, have taken this year. Thanks to the JEM Project’s matching gift program, every dollar you give will be doubled up to $50,000—amplifying our community’s impact in supporting women and children experiencing homelessness.
Please consider a holiday end-of-year gift to help us continue this work. Here’s how your support can make a meaningful difference:
• $25 becomes $50 | Transportation Assistance: gas and Uber cards
• $50 becomes $100 | Stock the Pantry: food, toiletry items, and household supplies
• $125 becomes $250 | Crisis Intervention and Support: resources and referrals
• $250 becomes $500 | Aftercare Mental Health Program: continued counseling support
• $500 becomes $1,000 | Housing Support Program: rent and utility assistance
We welcome you to make a gift in honor or in memory of a loved one. Your loved one will receive a holiday card informing them of your generosity. Every gift brings hope, stability, and compassion to women and children in need.
Catherine’s House Golf Tournament
Catherine’s House Golf Classic
Monday, April 12, 2027 | Cramer Mountain Club
Mark your calendars for the Catherine’s House Golf Classic! Join us for a great day on the course while supporting Catherine’s House and our mission to love and empower women and children experiencing homelessness.
We’re already looking ahead to an exciting 2027 tournament, and we’d love to keep you in the loop! If you’re interested in playing, sponsoring, or learning more, fill out the form below to be added to our Golf Classic interest list. We’ll reach out with tournament details, sponsorship opportunities, registration information, and more as they become available.
Interested in being part of the 2027 Catherine’s House Golf Classic? Get on the list today!
Spring Newsletter 2026: Karen’s Fresh Start, A Spring of New Beginnings
At Catherine’s House, we believe every woman deserves the opportunity to rebuild her life with dignity, stability, and hope. Stories like Karen’s reflect what’s possible when safe housing is paired with structure, accountability, and compassionate support. After facing years of instability, Karen entered our program with limited savings and uncertain prospects. Through hard work, employment support, and community, she secured stable income, rebuilt her credit, and moved into her own home with over $8,500 in savings. Today, she is thriving in independence and aftercare. Alongside stories like hers, our work continues to address growing challenges such as housing insecurity among older women and the need for workforce development, ensuring that every woman we serve has the opportunity to move from crisis to stability, and from isolation to community.
Party for a Purpose
Join us on the evening of Friday, October 2, 2026, for our fourth annual Party for a Purpose. We will celebrate our success stories and share future goals with great food, beverages and music while enjoying the breathtaking ambiance of the Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont. Meet our staff and mingle with others who believe in the mission of Catherine’s House while making a difference in a communal way. Mark your calendars and save the date so you don’t miss out on this limited-seating event. Please email contactus@catherineshouseinc.org if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities. Tickets will go on sale July 1st and can be purchased online via our website.
“A community, in which this universal charity reigns, is capable of surmounting all difficulties.”
~Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy and namesake of Catherine’s House
Volunteer
Elizabeth Andrews said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
Volunteerism is one of the most selfless acts that someone can be involved in and our volunteers play a critical role in providing the love and mercy that Catherine’s House is known for. From answering the phones at the reception desk to babysitting resident’s children while moms are in group, volunteers give back in a way that make a significant impact on our mission. Additional volunteer activities include organizing the pantry, sorting donations and assisting with special events.
Volunteer Q&A
What kind of volunteering opportunities does Catherine’s House have?
We have many different volunteer opportunities that range from babysitting, stocking and reception.
How often am I able to volunteer?
Our volunteer times and hours are tailored to your schedule and of course our need.
Ex. weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
Do you accept group volunteers?
We do! Please contact Patti Van Hofen at pattivonhofen@catherineshouseinc.org to discuss different group projects for volunteering.
How can I show proof of my volunteer services?
We are able to provide you with a letter stating the hours you have volunteered.
Anyone interested in volunteering can reach Patti von Hofen at pattivonhofen@catherineshouseinc.org or by telephone at 704-825-9599 ext. 102.
Items that are a constant need:
Individual bags of chips
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
White and black trash bags (13 gallon and 30 gallon)
Laundry Pods
Juice Boxes
Bottled Waters
Snack Cakes
Individual bags of cookies
Fruit Snacks
Fruit cups
Robes (all sizes)
Towels
Full Size sheets
Full size quilts or comforters
Full size vinyl mattress covers/protector
Standard size pillows