In January 2017, a group of dedicated men from the St. Cosmas and Damien Knights of Columbus began a humble tradition—showing up, month after month, to help build homes and hope with Manatee Habitat. Now, 100 consecutive months later, their commitment has blossomed into a legacy of service, faith, and community impact that continues to inspire everyone around them.
Fittingly, the Knights completed their 100th month of service the day before Good Friday—during Holy Week, a time of deep spiritual reflection and renewal. For a group so grounded in faith and charity, the timing could not have been more meaningful.
“Looking back, it’s hard to believe we’ve reached 100 months,” shared Chancellor Mike Mahan. “Our council stays very active throughout the year, so this is truly an unprecedented accomplishment we can all be proud of.”
While their hands have helped build dozens of homes, their hearts have helped build lasting relationships. Some of Mike’s most cherished memories are those spent working side by side with future homeowners.
“One of my greatest joys has been seeing the excitement in their eyes as we work together to fulfill their dreams. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I’m doing my part to help someone achieve their dream of affordable housing.”
Growing Together
In the early days, the Knights would lend their skills to one home at a time—a single rehab or a house on an empty lot. Today, they’re contributing to entire Habitat neighborhoods.
“The expansion really stands out. Habitat has grown so much. Now, we’re building small communities. We’ve also grown with the work—learning new skills and ‘tricks of the trade’ to help with many aspects of home construction.”
Service Through Adversity
Even when the pandemic paused construction, the Knights never wavered. Instead, they found new ways to support the mission behind the scenes—organizing materials, prepping for future builds, and making sure everything was ready to go when restrictions lifted.
“We still wanted to help however we could. Making a difference in someone’s life—that’s what motivates us.”
Faith in Action
For Mike, volunteering through the Knights of Columbus is a natural extension of his faith.
“Charity is a core mission of the Knights. I can’t think of a more honorable and worthy cause than Habitat. It’s a chance to grow in faith and serve those in need in a truly meaningful way.”
A Call to Join
After 100 months, the Knights’ message is clear: everyone has something to give. To those
“For someone who is on the fence about getting involved I would say you need to try it just once,” Mike encourages. “There’s no obligation—just do what you can, when you can. What may not seem like much to you could mean everything to someone else.”
As we celebrate this 100-month milestone, we’re filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of the Knights of Columbus. That they reached this moment during Holy Week is a powerful reminder that faith in action can transform lives—and build something lasting for generations to come.