A parish-rooted ministry serving families with love and dignity
In 2004, members of the Cathedral parish gathered for a book study on the life of Dorothy Day—a journalist, activist, and devoted Catholic known for her deep commitment to the poor, peace, and the dignity of every human life. Inspired by Dorothy’s courage and conviction to live as the hands and feet of Christ, the group recognized a great need in Memphis: safe housing and support for families experiencing homelessness.
With the support of our parish, friends, and community partners, the Dorothy Day House opened its doors on Poplar Avenue in 2006 and soon became an nonprofit organization. By 2020, the ministry expanded with two additional homes on Peabody Avenue, just a mile and a half from the Cathedral.
Since the beginning, Cathedral parishioners have been at the heart of this mission—painting, performing maintenance projects, serving on the board, babysitting, tutoring, providing rides, doing yard work, fixing cars, and participating in donation drives, events, and fundraisers.
Today, the Dorothy Day House provides housing for up to nine families at a time across its three homes, with an average stay of about 5½ months. Families find refuge in a home-like environment while receiving wraparound support such as basic necessities, case management, life-skills workshops, employment and housing resources, childcare assistance, and more.
From the earliest days, the Dorothy Day House has been sustained by prayer and its guiding motto: “People helping people.”
How parishioners can support the Dorothy Day House:
- Volunteer – Examples include: organizing, cleaning, handiwork, tutoring, moving – individuals, small groups and large groups welcome.
- Monday Night Meals – Provide a meal with your family, parish friends or group for the families at a house
- Support fundraisers – such as the Annual Wreath Sale, Café du Memphis and Dinner with Dorothy
- Donate needed items – household essentials, food and supplies are appreciated
- Follow and Share
- Visit – Schedule a tour and coffee to learn more about this ministry in action
Website – https://www.dorothydaymemphis.org
“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”
― Dorothy Day