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When the Dorothy Day House was founded in Memphis in the early 2000s, everyone involved in its launch and success was a volunteer. The founders, with the help of their friends, family, and networks, purchased, renovated, and housed families in the home on Poplar around the edges of family life and full-time careers. Traditionally, in the Catholic Worker movement, many houses of hospitality are also run by volunteers. As we have grown over the years and incorporated as an official 501(c) (3), the board of directors chose to hire staff. The organization would not be able to continue its success without volunteers. There are those who come weekly and help answer families’ phone calls when they are looking for housing, to those who help us clean and prepare rooms for a new family, to groups who help us with specific projects like sorting donations and taking care of the yardwork.
Just a few weeks ago, we were inspired by our guest panelists at the Civil Rights Museum, reminding us that the work of hospitality, dignity, and compassion is both ongoing and shared. As we celebrate Volunteer Month during the 20th Anniversary of the DDH, we are grateful for the thousands of volunteers over the years who have helped house and support almost 200 families. I’d love to hear your favorite volunteer story from DDH. Please email me at tburgess@dorothydaymemphis.org.
- Tracy Burgess, Executive Director
| | 🌠The Celebration Continues | |
You’re Invited: Founding Day Open Houses
Join us on May 6th from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM as we celebrate DDH's Founding Day with a special Open House event. For the first time, all three Dorothy Day House homes will be open for tours—offering a unique opportunity to step inside the mission and see the work up close.
Stop by one home or visit all three at your own pace throughout the day. Whether you stay for a few minutes or make an afternoon of it, we would love to welcome you.
More details can be found on our website, linked on our event page. There, you’ll also find additional details on what to expect, answers to frequently asked questions, and ways to support Dorothy Day House.
We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate 20 years of walking alongside families on their journey to stability.
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Next Weekend, 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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Lunch & Learn is Back!
May 14 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Take a meaningful midday break and join us for a Virtual Lunch & Learn hosted by Tracy Burgess. This one-hour session offers a closer look at the mission of Dorothy Day House, the families we serve, and the impact of our work across Memphis.
Whether you’re new to our community or looking for a deeper way to get involved, this is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect—all from wherever you are.
Registration is required to attend. We’d love to have you join us!
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Volunteer Appreciation!
April is National Volunteer Month — and at Dorothy Day House, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.
Dorothy Day believed that the works of mercy are not acts of charity, but acts of justice. That belief lives on in every person who shows up to serve alongside our families. Whether you're helping a child with homework, stocking shelves in our resource room, or simply sharing a meal, you are doing the work she envisioned — building a more just and compassionate Memphis, one family at a time.
This month, we invite you to get involved. Visit our Volunteer Odyssey page to find volunteer opportunities and to leave impact statements. You may also reach out directly to Ben Short at bshort@dorothydaymemphis.org to learn how you can serve.
👉 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)/school uniforms, dresser, end tables/nightstands, couches, chairs, lamps | | |
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.):
📧 bshort@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 | | | | |
