The Holiday season in its deepest essence is about giving. For many in our community who are less fortunate, finding a safe place to stay away from the cold and the elements is incredibly difficult and oftentimes dangerous. Although there are federally provided shelters and resources to help support the homeless community, there are not enough resources or initiatives to provide care for everyone who needs it. Thankfully, there are organizations that you can support that do their best to support those in need. This is by no means an exhaustive list of organizations that you can support, but a few bright spots to begin your search. Let’s band together, and help support those who need a helping hand.
Room in the Inn
Photo Courtesy of Room in the Inn
Room in The Inn Memphis serves those who are experiencing homelessness by providing those in need a safe environment where they can find shelter and a little bit of hope. At the core of their mission is to serve the community with hospitality, dignity, love, and respect.
For more information, please contact [email protected]
Memphis Child Advocacy Center
Photo Courtesy of the Child Advocacy Center
The Memphis Child Advocacy Center is a unique organization that focuses on the needs of marginalized, abused, and neglected children. The Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s mission is to create “…a community where children are safe, families are strong and victims become children again. Our mission is to serve children who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse through prevention, education, and intervention.”
Their team of professionals, including therapists, investigators, advocates, and others work with children and families in the Memphis area to provide the care, therapy, and resources to greatly improve the quality of life for children in need.
Saint Mary’s Soup Kitchen
Photo Courtesy of St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen
Since 1870, Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Soup Kitchen has provided more than 300 meals a day for our communities less fortunate, and homeless citizens. This organization is reliant upon the kindness and generosity of those willing to donate their time and resources for the betterment and support of those less fortunate. A very small donation of $1 a day will support the continued feeding of hungry Memphians who are reliant on the organization to stay afloat, especially during such a critical time for our community.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
Dorothy Day House
Photo Courtesy of the Dorothy Day House
The Dorothy Day house provides temporary housing and other support services for families that are in need of assistance, a safe place to stay, and other resources to aid those who are less fortunate, homeless, and in need. The Dorothy Day House keeps homeless families together in a community that will support a safe environment – this approach is a stark contrast to most homeless shelters which tend to separate families by their age, sex, and circumstance. The mission of the Dorothy Day house revolves around the strength of the family unit and finding comfort and safety within one another, avoiding the deeply traumatic event of family separation. According to the Dorothy Day House website, “This home-like atmosphere provides a sense of security, especially for the children, fosters self-esteem and uplifts the human spirit. It creates one of the most vital ingredients for escaping poverty—hope.”
For more information, please follow this link
Out Memphis
Photo Courtesy of Out Memphis
Founded in 1989, Out Memphis supports our LGBTQ brothers and sisters who are in need of support, resources, and allies. According to the website, “ OUTMemphis strives not only to provide services but to support LGBTQ+ issues and individuals to become a part of every aspect of civic life for every demographic. We host social support groups, peer-led projects, and social activities specific to trans men and women of color, seniors, parents of queer youth, Latinx individuals, men of color, and every intersection of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies.”
For more information, please contact [email protected]
You may also be interested in: Made to Dream Co. by Allie Arcos: We’re all Made to Dream
