Since 1974, the building at 55 East 3rd Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan has served as Maryhouse, a place that offers hospitality to “the homeless, the hungry, and the forsaken.” Run by volunteers of the Catholic Worker, Maryhouse shelters women and children, runs a soup kitchen, distributes clothing, and provides shower facilities, among other services. The organization was co-founded in 1933 by American journalist and social activist Dorothy Day, who is currently under consideration for canonization (or sainthood) by the Catholic Church.
This summer, we had the opportunity to volunteer at Maryhouse this past July. During our time there, we helped prepare meals, serve food, clean and assist with mailing of The Catholic Worker, a newspaper the organization publishes seven times a year centered around the social justice movement.
Inspired by our time there, we are hosting a clothing drive starting October 16th to benefit the women at Maryhouse through November 15th. All types of women and children’s clothing are appreciated, but interview clothing is strongly requested. Lila and Sophia will be returning to Maryhouse during winter break to deliver the clothing.
Those interested in donating to the drive can drop-off clothing to a bin located in the Melhado Dining Room on the Merle-Smith Campus or arrange pick up with Lila (manginol@mamail.net) and Sophia (manginos@mamail.net) directly.