Small steps. Lasting Ripples.
For 20 years, this community has kept Memphis families together. There is still so much work to do. Take your next step with us before 2026 ends.
“People say, 'What is the sense of our small effort?’
They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time.
A pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. Each one of our thoughts, words, and deeds is like that.”
— Dorothy Day
The Dorothy Day House (DDH) is funded largely by individual donors. When you give to our mission, you join a community that cares about making a difference in the lives of families experiencing houselessness in Memphis. See what your donation can do for a family at DDH.
Take a step with us
$25 Family Meal… Often, families move into the Dorothy Day House with limited resources. $25 lets parents make a trip to the grocery store to feed their family.
$50 Household Goods and Hygiene Products… Each week, families need to wash clothes, clean their living spaces, and bathe. This donation will help cover essential items like cleaning products, shampoo, toothpaste, laundry soap, and more for a whole month.
$100 Car Repairs… Help fund car repairs and maintenance to restore our parents' independence. A key ingredient in their move toward stability. This amount will pay for an oil change and tune-up for a family vehicle.
$150 Childcare… One of the biggest barriers preventing families from having a more equitable, prosperous future is a lack of access to childcare. To receive a state childcare voucher, parents must show proof of employment - at least 8 weeks of pay stubs. The DDH supplements the cost of childcare so parents can find a job to apply for vouchers. This amount covers one week of childcare for a family.
$200 Family Move… When families move out, we provide a moving truck to ensure a seamless transition into their new home. This will cover the cost of renting a U-Haul plus the gas needed for one family move.
$500 Utilities… Annually, the Dorothy Day House spends around $28,000 on utilities for our 3 homes. Help us provide heat, air conditioning, internet, and electricity for families.
For more ways to give, please visit our donations page.