Soup’s on at Dorothy Day

How would you feel about having the opportunity not only to fill up with delicious soup but also to directly contribute to a vision of social justice started all the way back in the 1930s? You can do exactly that by attending the soup supper and raffle at St. Joseph’s Church in Moorhead, put on by the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality. For at least a decade, they have been using the proceeds from this event, along with other charitable donations, to help the homeless of the Fargo-Moorhead area, citing the inspiration of Dorothy Day.

Who exactly was Dorothy Day? During the better part of the 20th century, she was a staunch advocate for social justice, who even after her passing in 1980 has left a lasting legacy. After converting to Catholicism, she felt the overwhelming need to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters. She opened up her first house of hospitality in the 1930s and they have proliferated ever since to over 130 establishments.

Perhaps one of the most famous ways she has done this is through helping establish the Catholic Worker Movement, a pacifist movement that not only incorporated direct aid for the homeless but nonviolent protest on their behalf. Her civil disobedience would cause her to be arrested by the establishment several times, even as late as 75 years of age. She was mentioned as a great American by Pope Francis on his recent visit to the area, and the church has even opened up the possibility of canonizing her as a modern-day saint.

The House of Hospitality in Moorhead is quite literally a household, capable of housing up to thirteen homeless individuals at a time. Even when a vacancy does come up, it is often filled up within hours, according to Beth Olson, the shelter director. The establishment is kept open by HUD (Housing and Urban Development) funding as well as community support, one example of which being the upcoming soup supper.

Not only does the house offer a roof over the heads of the unfortunate, it often provides the means for them to go forward, provide for themselves, and contribute to the well-being of others. A case manager works with individual to tailor helpful efforts to their needs, such as: proper medication for the physically and mentally ill, finding housing for residents, and getting them in touch with local businesses with which to apply, even helping them on the endeavor by helping put together a resume, practice interviews, and supplying clean clothing.

In return, all that is expected of the residents, if they are able, is to do simple chores pertaining to upkeep, which only take up 10-20 minutes of their day. The rest can be spent in rest, recreation, or trying to find a way to get back on their feet, with plenty of helping hands to assist them in doing so. They get a family-style dinner every night, and there are also game nights, such as when Concordia students will visit on Tuesdays to spend time with the people staying there.

The soup at the event is being graciously provided by eighteen different local restaurants, including Mezzaluna, the Hotel Donaldson, and Lucky 13. In case you’re wondering what kind of soup to expect at the event, there is going to be a broad array of flavors to please the palate. Mezzaluna will be providing pork green chili, Cajun Café will be bringing jambalaya (of course!), Granite City will be serving cheddar and ale, and the Hodo will be serving roasted chicken and rice, and that’s just a taste of the whole ensemble. The soups will be served in bowls painted by the residents and workers at the house, plus participants will be allowed to keep their bowl as well.

On average, the event attracts anywhere from 200 to 400 hungry and generous-hearted attendees, but of course the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality is always happy to have more attendees so if you want to do some good for the community and get some food out of the bargain, feel free to attend! As Beth Olson said, “You can help not only maintain, but empower people by attending.”

IF YOU GO:

Dorothy Day Soup Supper and Raffle

Tues, Nov. 17 4:30-7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Church 218 13th St. S, Moorhead