Nothing about camouflage cargo pants, thick-soled work boots and a hooded sweatshirt screams Jesuit. In fact, that was the first reaction of Brother Mike Wilmot, S.J., as well.

“Men in black? I don’t really wear black,” Wilmot said.

Although he may not sport the suit, Wilmot’s apparel is perfect for the daily role he plays.

Wilmot is the founder of Gesu Housing, Inc., a nonprofit organization that works to build affordable homes for families that live below the federal government’s median family income guidelines.

“Shelter is a key component in a person’s life,” Wilmot said. “As a Jesuit, I want to bring Christ and find Christ in as many people as I can. One of the ways I can do that is by giving them a place to live.”

He lives in the Mulumba house in North Omaha with five other Creighton Jesuits. The house is located in the neighborhood in which Gesu Housing has proposed to build at least 25 houses for low-income families.

“Our mission is not only to provide affordable housing but also to encourage home ownership and stable neighborhoods,” Wilmot said.

The Rev. Larry Gillick, S.J., has had a long- standing relationship with Wilmot. The two live across the hall from one another and have gained insight on each other’s personalities.

“He’s not afraid to be public, but he doesn’t do things so that he can be seen,” Gillick said. “He does things so that God can be seen.”

Having originally gone to school for cabinet making and welding, Wilmot now uses his craftsmanship to construct crosses out of old railroad spikes or other scrap metals.

“With the houses I do some welding on railings and such, but mostly I work in the shop we have at the Gesu housing,” he said. “I take the spikes and twist them and bend them to make them into crosses.”

With plans to close on two houses built by Gesu Housing later this week, he announced he’s off to do more welding on one of the houses.

“Doing houses is just one of the ways we can hopefully make this neighborhood, this area, this city, a better place,” he said.