Viator House of Hospitality welcomed another resident this month, when Jhon joined them after fleeing danger in South America. Like many of the others, he arrived on his 18th birthday, but unbeknownst to him, a birthday party wasn’t the only celebration.
Fr. Corey Brost volunteered in 2021 with some of the VHH men at a mobile food distribution at Cristo Rey St. Martin.
According to Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, Executive Director, Jhon is the 100th participant to find refuge at Viator House of Hospitality.
“Each young man we welcome is special to us, each is someone with special talents, hopes, struggles and dreams,” Fr. Corey says. “But when Jhon moved in earlier this month on his 18th birthday, he didn’t realize that he represented something extra special.”
Fr. Corey and Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, opened VHH in January, 2017, with five young men from five countries.
“We knew what we wanted Viator House to be,” Fr. Corey says, “but we weren’t sure what to expect.”
But more than six years later, they are proud to say that 100 men from 25 nations and four faith traditions have found a home at Viator House. That means they weren’t homeless, detained in adult immigration jails or stranded in dangerous living situations, Fr. Corey adds. That also means that:
- 31 have been reunited with family through the help of VHH staff
- 22 have earned driver’s licenses
- 22 have graduated from high school, with 11 taking college courses.
While most men who have moved out are still waiting for their asylum proceedings, almost all are waiting in apartments they have found and successfully maintained because of the life skills and support they found at VHH.
Sen. Dick Durbin toured the house in March and talked with Fr. Corey, left, and Sr. Kathlyn Mulcahy, Executive Director of Bethany House of Hospitality.
“This is good news in a world where so many migrants suffer,” Fr. Corey says simply.
He credits all the people involved in the ministry who make these good things happen, including staff members, house assistants, tutors, mentors, board members and donors.
“All of these people have been — and continue to be — God’s arms offering a healing embrace to the men who call Viator House home,” Fr. Corey says, “which currently includes 22 young men from 12 nations.”
He invites people to help Viator House continue its mission to provide a safe home for young immigrant men seeking asylum in this country.
Find ways to donate, here.