CATHOLIC WORKER HOUSE

CATHOLIC WORKER HOUSE. In 1933 the Catholic Worker Movement was started by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin to spread the Roman Catholic Church's social teachings to working people. It's tradition of hospitality to all without regard to faith began during the GREAT DEPRESSION, a time when many were in need of food and shelter. (1)

In Dubuque, the movement began in 1977 with the opening of the Catholic Worker House at 382 E. 21st St. For a time it offered the only refuge for battered women in Dubuque. With that cause adopted by other organizations, the house offered shelter for those facing eviction or no where else to go. The facility was rarely full. Volunteer staff were often graduates of LORAS COLLEGE who had worked with the homeless in other locations. (2)

By 1993 it was becoming increasingly difficult to find volunteers. Contributions paid the cost of operating it, but the decision to close it on April 1, 1993 was made. (3)

The same month the closing was announced, the Washington Street Neighborhood Association stated it would reopen the shelter on May 1, 1993. Elizabeth Mihalakis, president of the Association, stated there were volunteers in the area available to keep the shelter open twenty-four hours daily to provide food, shelter, referrals to other agencies, and general assistance. (4) The home renamed "Hope House" was reopened in 1996 and provided rooms to homeless men, free public dinners twice each week, and a drop-in center.

The 1987 through 1989 Dubuque City Directory listed 382 E. 21st St.

Efforts to open a second Catholic Worker House of Hospitality homeless shelter were announced on June 1, 2018. To be named "Anawim," the Hebrew word for "the poor of God," the new center would offer housing for homeless families, a gap identified in local services. It was planned that the center would be located in the Washington neighborhood or the North End. (5)

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Source:

1. Hanson, Lyn. "Catholic Worker House Doors to Close," Telegraph Herald, March 17, 1993, p. 3A

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Hanson, Lyn. "Washington Street Group Takes Over Shelter," Telegraph Herald, March 22, 1993, p. 3A

5. Hogstrom, Erik. "Concert to Aid Proposed Homeless Shelter," Telegraph Herald, June 1, 2018, p. 3A