Dorothy Day House is a family that helps families.
“I didn’t know what to do – I couldn’t have my mom out on the street,” Travis said, “That’s when God brought us both to Dorothy Day House.”
Travis and his mother, Stephanie, came to Dorothy Day House after losing their shelter due to a strained family situation.
In three days, DDH referred Stephanie to our partners for help with her medical issues, while Travis was able to start working in our kitchen as a dishwasher.
“It’s hard to get into these types of places to begin with,” he continued, “If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here – I wouldn’t have a place to sleep or a job to come to every day. It’s a blessing.”
Like Travis and Stephanie, Gene also came to us for circumstances outside his control.
Gene had no idea what to do after being lured to California by a scam that left him with nothing.
“Dorothy Day House changed my life – it’s been a hard journey, but there’s always a light at the end,” Gene said.
Luckily, a kind community member introduced him to Dorothy Day House staff.
In less than two weeks, he received a bed in our Berkeley Emergency Storm Shelter, was applying for jobs, and was accepted into a transitional housing program.
Dorothy Day once told us that to show our love for others; we must work to improve their conditions immediately. Because of people like you, people like Travis, Stephanie, and Gene can receive the support they deserve.
Over the last 30 years, we have been able to save countless lives and help countless more by simply meeting people where they are – but none of that is possible without you. There is always more work to be done, and as Dorothy would say, “We must lay one brick at a time.”
Many of the unhoused people who come to us for help do not have families they can rely on – you are that family to them.
This spring, you can help us continue to lay those bricks for all who need us. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution at this link. Your support truly allows Dorothy Day House to provide these services to those in need.
Thank you for being there for our unhoused neighbors in need,
Robbi Montoya
Executive Director