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From Our House to Yours
January 2018
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Day-by-Day...An Update from our Executive Director
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It was 34 degrees in Memphis with the temperatures at night dropping down to the teens. That fact was rumbling through my head when I took a phone call from a woman who was looking for shelter for herself and her four children.
Although we do not have any bedroom space available right now, I asked her their ages and sex so I could offer other shelters who might help her. She said, "They are all boys...ages 14, 12, 11,and 10." She went on to say, "I have called all over town and when I tell them I have all boys, they tell me they can't help me." She went on to say that they have been staying in a motel but had to be out by 11:00 this morning. They had no where to go.
My heart wept for her and her children. I don't know the full story of their homelessness, but no matter what circumstances brought them to this minute, they do not deserve to be without shelter in this frigid weather. I could not take them into the DDH, but we paid for a few nights in a hotel for them and provided them with food, clothing and a few games for the boys.
It is calls like that one that keep me going. There are so many families who have no where to turn and although the Dorothy Day House can only help a few families at a time, I hope that our work will raise awareness of the hundreds of homeless families who need help everyday.
Your support and your donations allowed me to give this mother and her four boys some hope. Thank you for reaching out to her through us.
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In September 2016, we began a capital campaign with a goal of raising $5,000,000 over a five year period. Those funds would allow us to renovate three additional homes, hire additional staff, develop an educational program about poverty and family homelessness and operate four houses which would serve twelve families simultaneously.
The goal seemed absurd, but knowing that we live in the most generous city in the country gave us great hope. We are happy to report that you did it....you helped us reach our first goal of $2,000,000 in sixteen months!
With those funds we have already hired an additional house manager and have gotten well into the renovation of 1178 Peabody. We have started the design process for 1161 Peabody and hope to begin renovation of that house before the end of the year.
Yes, we did it! That "we" refers to all our donors, volunteers, staff, Board members and Ministry Team. This job is bigger than any of us....together we have the power to make the unbelievable happen! Watch us grow...
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| 1178 Peabody...A New House |
We thought you would like to see some pictures of the renovations that are happening at 1178 Peabody. The work has gone very smoothly and we are grateful to Montgomery Martin Contractors for their wonderful work on the property. Our special thanks, too, to Mike Watermeier, our liaison with the contractors.
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| Cafe du Memphis will be May 5th at Tiger Lane |
| Christmas Magic Takes Work |
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We have so many people to thank for helping provide Christmas for 32 current and former families. The elves included
Boy Scout Troop 13, Ducks Unlimited, Federal Correctional Institute - Memphis, Immaculate Conception Cathedral Middle School, Marion Church of God in Christ, ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Parishioners and individual donors
(a total of 1,000 gifts)!
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We are thankful for the many ways that donors and volunteers choose to give to the Dorothy Day House. Throughout December, Meg Koss ran a special with her Arbonne business and the proceeds benefitted the Dorothy Day House. Thank you Meg!
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We are happy to welcome five new members to the Dorothy Day House Board of Directors. Over the next few months, we will introduce each of them in our
eNewsletter.
Welcome, too, to Brandy Green. Brandy started as a part-time administrative assistant in August 2017. She is now a full-time employee who will be serving as the house manager at 1429 Poplar.
Prior to her time at the DDH, Brandy worked in Human Relations at Entergy for 11 years. Her love for people and her desire to help those less fortunate made her a perfect fit for the DDH. Brandy, her husband Llyvin, and her children, Lesli and Braylen live in Southaven, MS.
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Each last Tuesday of the month, we host a "Lunch and Learn event. It is an opportunity for people who are unfamiliar with the DDH to hear about our ministry to homeless families, tour the house, and enjoy a free lunch. Our next Lunch and Learn sessions are Tuesday, January 30th and February 27th.
Please contact
Genevieve Spears at 901-726-6760 if you or someone you know would like to attend.
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| "Sunday at Six" is a casual opportunity for volunteers to serve at the DDH. This ministry was formed by prayer, and we feel it is essential to provide an occasion where we can come together and express our compassion and concern for issues affecting our community. We gather with volunteers, board members, donors, DDH families, and friends at 6:00pm. We pray around 6:20 and then enjoy a dessert that is brought by a volunteer. The evening wraps up around 7pm. Come as you are, bring a friend, bring your family, and children are welcome. If you would like to volunteer to bring dessert for a future date, please sign up online through Volunteer Compass here or contact Genevieve Spears at 901-726-6760. |
| Each Monday, the Dorothy Day House has a family supper provided by individuals, families, or small groups. Volunteers have an opportunity to provide a simple meal and hopefully join us to enjoy time around the dining room table. Event starts at 5:30pm and usually ends around 7pm. If you would like to volunteer to bring a meal for a future date, please register through Volunteer Compass here or contact Genevieve Spears at 901-726-6760. |
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From the Teachings of Dorothy Day
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We're thankful for all donors who donate in-kind items or contribute financially to our ministry. Keep in mind, the Dorothy Day House depends primarily on private donors to help us keep homeless families together.
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Our Mission
Rooted in the tradition of the Gospels and inspired by the vision and passion of Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement, the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality provides temporary housing and support services for homeless families 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.
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Our Board
Larry McBride
Chair of the Board
- Denzel Briggs
- John Cannon
- Lea Carr
- Mike McCormick
- Susan Mealer
- Jacqueline Oselen
- Laura Paylor
- Alison Powers
- Robin Riggins
- Jerry Schwartz
- Brenda Solomito Basar
- Lauren Squires Ready
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Our Ministry Team
S. Maureen Griner
Executive Director
- Josh Burgess
- Tracy Burgess
- Judy Gray
- Paul Gray
- Brandy Green
- Michael T. Kauffman
- Angela Pieroni
- Peggy Steffan
- S. Margaret Ann Zinselmeyer
Our Staff
Tracy Burgess
Director of Development and
Communications
Brandy Green
House Manager
Angela Pieroni
House Manager
Genevieve Spears
Volunteer & Education Coordinator
S. Margaret Ann Zinselmeyer
Bookkeeper
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