Friends of Catholic Worker Newsletter

HISTORY OF DES MOINES CATHOLIC WORKER

The Des Moines Catholic Worker House (DMCWH) was established in August of 1976, following the precepts articulated by Dorothy Day and the National Catholic Worker Movement. Those precepts include feeding poor and homeless people, providing them clothing and hygienic items, providing showers and support for the less fortunate. These activities have been happening at DMCWH for nearly 50 uninterrupted years. In 2022, three longtime supporters of the Des Moines Catholic Worker combined to establish a 501(c)(3) charitable fundraising arm for DMCWH, The Des Moines Catholic Worker Fund, Inc, AKA Friends of Catholic Worker. A website for online donations was launched in 2024 and can be found at: Friendsofcatholicworker.com.   

DES MOINES CATHOLIC WORKER TODAY

The Des Moines Catholic Worker currently has meals five days per week. They serve a three o’clock meal on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and a six o’clock meal on Tuesday, Thursday Saturday and Sunday. Free meals served average 3000 per month, 36,000 per year. The cost to serve 3000 meals is incredibly inexpensive per serving, a cost of $1.33 per meal or $4000 per month. The reason costs are so low is because there are no paid staff at DMCWH – it’s run only by volunteers and select meals are catered and donated by church groups or other supporters. The doors at DMCWH are open for showers, free clothing, and a food and hygiene pantry five days per week. A legal clinic is staffed one day per week by a paralegal from Iowa Legal Aid to help clients with a diverse universe of legal issues.

DES MOINES CATHOLIC WORKER TOMORROW

The Friends of Catholic Worker is engaged in discussions with a number of organizations to plan and implement a variety of potential services to DMCWH clientele. These services include a potential warming/cooling center for days of temperature extremes; pop-up clinics from Broadlawns to include vaccinations and immunizations; expanded legal and mental health services to name a few.

The most immediate need is an annual fundraising effort to buy and distribute winter gear and coats prior to the upcoming cold season. On Tuesday November 25, 2025 we will hopefully distribute over 160 winter coats, 120 sweatshirts and other cold weather gear to those in need. Below is a picture inside of the Dingman house during the 2024 winter gear giveaway.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Your tax-deductible donation can be mailed to Friends of Catholic Worker, PO Box 1386, Ankeny, Iowa 50021. Online donations can be made via PayPal at Friendsofcatholicworker.com.

Individuals or groups who wish to volunteer to cook and serve a meal can contact the Des Moines Catholic Worker House at 515-214-1030 to get on the calendar.

Thank you for your generosity, your support is needed now more than ever!