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Celebrating 20 years of the Dorothy Day House is an honor. It's a privilege to lead such an amazing group of people who work with families each and every day in the great times and the hard times. Even though my goal is to create a community where the Dorothy Day House is not needed, you and I both know that is a lofty goal. So, in the meantime, we will continue with the Works of Mercy that happen here. As supporters and volunteers, we want to help you have opportunities to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, and more.
I listened to a podcast recently called Good on Wood, hosted by Steve Shalert and Jared McKenna. It's a production of St. Stephens University and The Jim Forest Institute of Religion, Peace & Justice. In this episode, they ask Martha and Kate Hennessy (Dorothy Day's granddaughters, among many other titles) how society changes. How do we change or work toward change? Kate answered that it has to be a "revolution of the heart" in how we "convert ourselves" or "conduct ourselves." She mentioned that the probably "unsatisfying answer is to come back to the Works of Mercy."
Martha will be in Memphis speaking at our panel discussion on Thursday night. We are grateful that she is able to come here to share not only a part of her story, but also her remembrance of Dorothy Day.
We hope you will join us.
- Tracy Burgess, Executive Director
| | Dinner with Dorothy was a powerful kickoff to our 20th Anniversary celebration, bringing our community together to reflect on the past and invest in what’s ahead. Thanks to your generosity, we reached our $80,000 goal to support families with safe housing, stability, and hope. View photos from the evening on Facebook, watch our highlight video, and share your feedback in our post-event survey. | | 🌠The Celebration Continues | |
Explore the Powerful Legacy of Faith and Justice in Memphis.
Join us for a panel on the intersection of the Civil Rights and Catholic Worker movements on Thursday, March 19 from 6–8 PM at the National Civil Rights Museum.
From Dorothy Day witnessing the “horrific violence” of the South to local leaders living out the call to hospitality and justice during segregation, this conversation will connect history to the ongoing work of justice today.
Hear from Martha Hennessy, Russ Wigginton, Anne Mulhearn, and Pete Gathje as they explore how faith, activism, and community continue to shape Memphis.
This event is part of Dorothy Day House’s 20th Anniversary celebration.
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The Rotary Club of Memphis proudly presents the 15th Annual Café du Memphis
Join us on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church for a lively morning of community, connection, and classic New Orleans–inspired flavors. Guests will enjoy delicious shrimp and grits, fresh coffee, beignets, and live musical entertainment in a welcoming, social atmosphere.
Proceeds from Café du Memphis directly support the mission of Dorothy Day House and the Rotary Club Foundation, helping strengthen families and communities across Memphis.
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Founding Day Open House
Stop by on May 6, 2026, from 7 AM- 6 PM as we celebrate the roots of Dorothy Day House with a Founding Day Open House—a time to gather in gratitude for where we began and hope for where we are headed.
Enjoy coffee, conversation, and a guided tour of one of our houses, while learning more about the mission, values, and community that have sustained Dorothy Day House for the past 20 years.
Whether you are a longtime supporter or new to Dorothy Day House, we invite you to join us in honoring our founding and looking ahead to the future.
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Lunch & Learn is Back!
Join us at Dorothy Day House for a meaningful conversation reflecting on 20 years of serving families in Memphis—and the work still ahead.
You’ll hear more about our mission, meet the team, and learn how you can be part of what’s next.
Missed Dinner with Dorothy? This is a great chance to catch up, including a special video message from one of our former families.
Reserve your spot and join us!
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Volunteer Appreciation!
At Dinner with Dorothy, we were proud to honor our 2026 Volunteers of the Year, Miriam Taylor and Amanda Kirwan. Throughout the year, they generously bake and deliver birthday cakes for the families staying at Dorothy Day House, helping ensure that every child and parent has the chance to feel celebrated on their special day. Their kindness and thoughtfulness turn simple moments into meaningful memories for our families. We are so grateful for volunteers like Miriam and Amanda, who bring such care and joy to our community.
If you or your company are interested in getting involved, we’d love to have you join us! Fill out our volunteer application or email Ben Short to learn more about upcoming opportunities.
👉 Volunteer Application — Dorothy Day House
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How Can I Send Support to the Dorothy Day House?
$6/day or $180/month feeds one person
| | Current Needs: unscented laundry detergent, kids' summer clothes (size 4T-14), small flatscreen TV | | |
Ship Items Directly to Us
1161 Peabody Ave, Memphis, TN
Send in-kind donations like pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and disinfectant supplies.
- You can order from our Amazon Wishlist (updated weekly with our most-needed items) — or use it as inspiration to shop elsewhere.
📦 Order from Amazon Wish List
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Local Drop-Offs
321 S. Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN
Mon.–Fri, 8:30 AM– 3:30 PM
To schedule after-hours drop-offs or coordinate a large donation (drives, furniture, etc.):
📧 srall@dorothydaymemphis.org
☎️ (901) 726-6760
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Send Physical Gift Cards
P.O. Box 40269
Memphis, TN 38174-0269
Gift cards — especially Kroger — help our families meet essential needs like groceries and gas for work. Your gift provides flexibility and dignity as parents take steps toward stability and independence.
💳 Send Kroger Gift Card
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Make a Financial Contribution
Give online
Mail checks to: P.O. Box 40269, Memphis, TN 38174-0269
More and more families in the Mid-South are struggling to access stable housing and food security. By giving you can help us keep children and their caregivers fed, safe, and housed.
For other ways to give:
📧 apalmer@dorothydaymemphis.org
| | Teachings from Dorothy Day | |
Rooted in the tradition of the Gospels and inspired by the vision and passion of Dorothy Day, the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality provides temporary housing and support services for families experiencing houselessness in Memphis, TN. Working with other local agencies, staff members and volunteers provide families in need with a safe environment and the means to re-establish their independence. All guests are welcomed as Christ with no discrimination. | | Connect with the Dorothy Day House | | | | |
