From Our House to Yours: February 2026 E-News

Dinner with Dorothy is the kick-off celebration to the 20th Anniversary of the Dorothy Day House. Since 2006, the DDH has provided temporary housing and support for more than 180 families. When the founders started, their belief was to help “one family at a time.” A few years later, in 2011, the newly formed Board of Directors, led by Michael Synk, had a “big, hairy, audacious goal” to house 20 families at a time. They felt at the time that if the organization could house that many families, DDH would be making a real impact in Memphis, our beloved city that is consistently ranked in the top 5 for overall and child poverty. With their help, we expanded into 2 more family homes and can house 9 families simultaneously. Over the past year, we have been tracking the number of families contacting us for shelter. More than 750 families submitted a shelter request. The need for shelter in Memphis just seems to grow more and more each year. So, what will be the long-term solution?   

While we continue to provide temporary housing, the dream is to create a community that no longer needs the services of the Dorothy Day House. Sounds naïve, I know. It will require collaboration among community members and organizations, and for us to advocate at the city and state levels to secure the support parents need to provide for themselves and their children. While we advocate for the long term, we need you here and now to help us build a community where families are housed, supported, and loved. 

Will you join us this year?

Tracy Burgess

Executive Director