Built by Volunteers. Carried Forward by You.

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