Frequently Asked Questions about the Dorothy Day Center and the Republican National Convention
1. Is the Dorothy Day Center relocating its services during the Republican National Convention?
No. After careful consideration, Catholic Charities decided clients can best be served by remaining at the existing location.
2. Will there be an alternate site for clients who want to avoid the activity around the Xcel Energy Center during the convention?
Yes, Catholic Charities will set up services at another site. We have not identified that site.
3. Will the food shelf at the Dorothy Day Center stay open?
No. We will work with community partners to refer clients to other food shelves.
4. What changes will be made to the Dorothy Day Center’s services during the RNC?
Some services may be reduced. Other services may be enhanced. Catholic Charities staff will work with our service partners to identify the best way to meet the needs of clients.
5. How can I help?
To support Catholic Charities, you can make a gift by visiting www.cctwincities.org/make_a_gift. You can also join our advocacy network at www.cctwincities.org/advocacy.
6. How can I volunteer at the Dorothy Day Center during the convention?
We appreciate your interest. However, we are fully staffed with volunteers at Dorothy Day. To volunteer at another Catholic Charities site, visit www.cctwincities.org/volunteer.
7. I have a concern. Whom should I call?
Please call Catholic Charities’ main office at 612-664-8500. Your call will be routed to the appropriate person.
8. How will Catholic Charities secure the area around the Dorothy Day Center?
Catholic Charities will work with law enforcement to help keep the area in and around the Dorothy Day Center safe.
9. How will clients access the Dorothy Day Center during the convention?
Clients will be able to walk to the Dorothy Day Center. No cars or bikes will be allowed in the area.
About Catholic Charities and the Dorothy Day Center
1. What is Catholic Charities?
Catholic Charities is the social service and social justice arm of the Catholic Church. Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis is the Twin Cities’ largest private provider of social services, working to strengthen families and reduce poverty in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area. With a diverse range of programs, Catholic Charities annually helps 40,000 people, regardless of faith.
Catholic Charities was honored by the Charities Review Council for meeting the council’s strict accountability standards and demonstrating responsibility, integrity and transparency as a non-profit organization. Catholic Charities is a member of Catholic Charities USA, one of the largest private networks of social service providers in the country.
2. What is the Dorothy Day Center?
The Dorothy Day Center, one of 42 programs offered by Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, is a drop-in day site and an overnight shelter that provides a hospitable environment while restoring hope and dignity to people in need. Located across from the Xcel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul, the Dorothy Day Center serves about 550 men, women and children each day. Services include a nutritionally balanced lunch and dinner, a food shelf, a women’s shelter, mental health services and medical care.
3. Who comes to the Dorothy Day Center?
The Dorothy Day Center is open to anyone in need of its services. Sixty-eight percent of clients served in 2007 were male while 32 percent were female. Many clients have jobs but are still unable to secure or afford stable housing.
4. Do children come to the Dorothy Day Center?
Yes. Between 2005 and 2007, the number of families served by Dorothy Day has more than doubled.
Read more frequently asked questions about Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
