People Taking Care of People: Our Evening with the Dorothy Day House of Memphis

written by the Mr. Keith's Team

The Heart of the Dorothy Day House

Founded in 2006, the Dorothy Day House (DDH) offers temporary housing and support services to families experiencing houselessness right here in Memphis. Inspired by the faith and compassion of social activist Dorothy Day, the organization’s mission is simple yet profound: to give families a safe place to stay together, rebuild stability, and move toward independence — all grounded in the spirit of the Gospels.

What makes the Dorothy Day House so special is its commitment to keeping families together. While many housing programs separate men, women, and children, DDH welcomes the entire family under one roof. Here, parents and children live side by side in a true home — a space filled with warmth, dignity, and hope.

From Dorothy’s House, which opened in 2006, to Loretta’s House in 2018 and Joseph’s House in 2020, DDH now operates three homes across the city. Together, they form a network of compassion that gives families the time, space, and support to start again.

The heart of their philosophy is simple but powerful: every person is unique, deserving of respect and hospitality; growth happens when people care for one another; and progress is made through faith, accountability, and love.

Our Evening at Joseph’s House

Our Mr. Keith’s team recently had the honor of joining two wonderful families for dinner at Joseph’s House. Our goal for the evening was simple — to cook, share a meal, and spend time together.

Around the dinner table, we met two incredible mothers, each raising four young children, along with Executive Director Tracy Burgess and two of the program’s dedicated house managers. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming — just families enjoying food, laughter, and connection.

It wasn’t an interview or an event; it was genuine conversation. Tracy shared with us how the Dorothy Day House supports families beyond just providing shelter. The staff and volunteers work side by side with each family, encouraging them to find steady jobs, build savings, and take concrete steps toward permanent housing. As long as families are working toward these goals, the doors of the Dorothy Day House remain open to them, providing safety and stability every step of the way.

What struck us most was how deeply personal and faith-driven this work is. It’s not a program built on policies — it’s built on relationships. It’s people helping people, one meal, one conversation, one act of care at a time.

Extending the Mission: Lucy J’s Bakery

The spirit of the Dorothy Day House doesn’t end with housing. Tracy and her husband have taken their mission even further with Lucy J’s Bakery, a nonprofit bakery located in Crosstown Concourse.

Lucy J’s is more than a bakery — it’s a second chance. The Burgesses opened it to employ parents transitioning out of homelessness, giving them the opportunity to earn a living wage and rebuild their independence. Employees at Lucy J’s earn $15 an hour and receive medical benefits, helping them provide for their families and regain financial stability.

“Our belief is that all people should be able to earn a living wage and support their families.”

And yes — the pastries are as good as the mission. If you haven’t yet, treat yourself to one of their famous lemon blueberry croissant pockets — a delicious reminder that good things rise when love and purpose are baked in.

Why This Matters — Especially Now

As we move into the colder months and the holiday season, it’s important to remember that houselessness isn’t just a statistic, it’s families right here in our neighborhoods. Parents working two jobs. Kids doing homework by flashlight. People trying, every day, to find stability.

The Dorothy Day House and Lucy J’s Bakery show us what community really looks like. They offer not just temporary shelter, but a bridge to lasting change. They remind us that when we reach out with compassion, even in small ways, we strengthen the heart of Memphis.

This season, as we gather with our own families, may we remember those who are still working to find their footing and the organizations that walk beside them with open doors and open hearts.

How You Can Help (or Get Help)

If you’d like to support the Dorothy Day House, here are a few ways to make an impact:

✅ Volunteer your time — prepare meals and spend time with DDH families.
💛 Donate — every contribution supports housing, food, and essential services.
📣 Spread the word — share their story on social media or with your church and friends.

To learn more or get involved, visit dorothydaymemphis.org.

And if your family or someone you know is experiencing houselessness, the Dorothy Day House welcomes all guests with compassion and care. No discrimination, no judgment — just love and support.

Closing Thoughts

Our evening at the Dorothy Day House reminded us that doing the right thing doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes it’s as simple as sitting down for dinner, offering encouragement, or creating a space where someone feels seen and supported.

At Mr. Keith’s, we believe success isn’t about what we gain — it’s about what we give. And just like the Dorothy Day House and Lucy J’s Bakery, we’re dedicated to one simple truth:

People taking care of people.