Sharpsburg has changed since Father Michael Decewicz became pastor of St. Juan Diego Parish five years ago.

More young people are hanging out on the street with little to do. Drug problems are growing. So far this year, overdoses have claimed four lives.

Father Decewicz knew he had to do something, so he reached out to Dirty Vagabond Ministries, an urban youth program that embraces Pope Francis’ preference for “a church that is dirty because it’s been on the streets.”

Missionaries are considered to be “vagabonds” who work with at-risk teens.

The ministry, which is experiencing early success at St. Maria Goretti Parish in Pittsburgh’s Garfield/ Bloomfield/Friendship section, will be supported in Sharpsburg by a start-up grant from Our Campaign for The Church Alive!

“We’re seeing a second generation of children who are unchurched,” Father Decewicz said. “They wander the streets. We want to give them a sense of self-worth and hope.”

Father Decewicz said other local pastors and police are supportive of the program.

Among Sharpsburg’s population of about 3,400, nearly a quarter of those under age 18 live below the poverty line, according to U.S. Census data.

Deacon Bob Wertz has noticed many more youth outside, with little to do.

“They’re not bad kids, but many don’t have adults bringing them to God,” Deacon Wertz said.

More families are moving across the Allegheny River from Lawrenceville, where the rising cost of housing is forcing out lower-income residents.

“Rental property makes up about two-thirds of the housing in Sharpsburg,” said Karen Pastor, a lifelong member of the parish and president of the borough council. “Many people are coming and going, and we’ve seen a big increase in the number of kids needing guidance.”

Near St. Maria Goretti Parish, the missionaries hand out free hot dogs and greet young people at bus stops and in parks. They also tutor at local high schools.

Dirty Vagabond Ministries founder Bob Lesnefsky is encouraged by what he’s seeing in city neighborhoods.

“Our missionaries have met more than 100 young people and are forming relationships,” Lesnefsky said. “They’ve started a small Bible study and have taken the kids on two retreats.

“The youth have had powerful experiences of going to Mass and Adoration,” Lesnefsky said. “They don’t fully understand everything yet, but it’s amazing at how God has brought them into church.”

St. Juan Diego parishioner Philip DiRenzo, a high school counselor, said many local kids lack positive adult role models in their lives.

“It’s heartbreaking,” DiRenzo said. “Every child deserves to be loved and feel safe. We don’t want to push the Catholic faith on them, but give them a place to go and have someone to connect with.”

Karen Pastor is eager to see what will happen on Sharpsburg’s streets.

“I’m hoping the kids will open up,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing God’s plan take shape.”