Newsletter: September 2026
Dear Friends of Joseph House:
We never know what we’ll be called to do at the Joseph House. Our mission is open-ended; we are here to help the poor, and that can mean anything and everything. Our founder liked to tell us that “we are free, that’s the beauty of our work.” Unencumbered by red tape, we have the freedom of the Spirit to do whatever we can to help someone in need.
One of our sisters remarked that she didn’t think she would be able to use her gifts when she joined our community. She ended up, however, using all of them, and she believes they developed authentically in ways that otherwise would not be possible.
That’s how it is when God is in charge. We hand over what we have to give and, like clay in the hands of the potter (Jer 18:6), God will fashion us and bring our gifts to their natural perfection.
There is a place for everyone in our work of caring for the poor. All gifts and talents can be used. But there is something fundamental that we all possess in order to share. Reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan, Pope Benedict wrote that when people need help, they need humanity just as much as they need proper care. They need an encounter with love (Deus Caritas Est, 31). It pleases us to no end to see that lived out at the Joseph House.
Compassion was the starting point for the Good Samaritan’s charity, but not the extent of it. Thanks to your generosity, we can likewise be generous with those in need. We respond to any verifiable request for assistance according to our means. That’s the freedom we have.
Lucía, 36, came to the Joseph House Crisis Center with many pressing concerns. One of our volunteers spent time with her and patiently sorted everything out. Lucía is from Central America. She came to the United States five years ago seeking asylum. It’s a long process, and she is working with the Immigration office. The violence in her home country led Lucía to seek a new life in the U.S. Gangs murdered her mother and brother and were trying to recruit her oldest son.
Lucía has five children. She had to leave one behind in the care of a relative, the other four are with her. She is raising them alone because of domestic abuse. For a while Lucía and her children lived in a homeless shelter. Lucía started doing housecleaning work, and though it doesn’t pay much and the hours are not steady, she managed to move her family into a tiny rental house. Her oldest son is now doing construction work, which helps, but his hours are also unpredictable. Adding to the family’s financial strain, Lucía pays $20 a day for a car ride to work and $50 a day to have someone watch her youngest children. Unfortunately, the family is not eligible for SNAP benefits (food stamps).
Lucía is a hard-working mother doing her best to protect and provide for her family. When the gas was turned off in Lucía’s home, God led her to the Joseph House. We paid what was needed to get it back on.
Dorothea, 64, was also trying to get by without any gas service in her home. It had been shut off for a few weeks before she looked for help. She didn’t like doing that. Dorothea has a small income as a teaching assistant and has lived in her modest home for 26 years. She was always able to take care of herself, but the cost of living today makes that impossible – not just for Dorothea, but for a lot of people. The Joseph House paid the full amount of the large overdue gas bill. Dorothea was thrilled to have hot water again.
On average, more than 40 households a week receive financial assistance at our Crisis Center. We cannot do it without you! God bless you for your generosity. Every gift adds up and makes a difference to someone.
Update on the Joseph House Workshop
The Workshop is a residential program that helps homeless men take their next step in life. For more than 20 years, we have accompanied these men on their journey to wellness, employment, and stable housing. The men in the program are ready to make a change, and with your support we give them opportunities to make their hopes a reality.
Two men currently reside at the Workshop. The Director of the Workshop, Nick, told us that both men have similar goals: to stay off drugs, settle down, become working citizens and rebuild family relationships. They are learning how to set goals, be responsible to others, and to live within a wholesome structure they never had.
Jeremy, 66, came to the Workshop after being discharged from an addictions treatment center. He had nowhere to go. Jeremy has a long history with substance abuse. His entire family abuses drugs and alcohol, and Jeremy himself started drinking at age 15. He soon moved onto other drugs, eventually becoming acquainted with fentanyl. On and off construction work provided a little money, but Jeremy wanted more out of life.
We are so grateful the Workshop is here for Jeremy. He is getting support for all aspects of his health, and he has a good job in the linens department at the hospital. He’s been there for two years already – because we have the freedom to give people the time they need. Jeremy has begun the transition process for life after the Workshop. He is looking for an apartment, and with the money he’s been able to save, he’ll make the move without a problem. Jeremy has a great attitude: always helpful, always ready to give back. He’s a real asset to the community.
Gordon, 51, was accustomed to being homeless. A local health care organization recommended that he get in touch with the Workshop. We’re so glad he did. Gordon had been having difficulty managing his life for a couple of years, mostly due to alcohol and cocaine use.
Gordon has now been sober for more than a year. He also works as a parking lot and shopping cart attendant at a large store. Gordon said that he loves his job. He is especially proud of obtaining his driver’s license. It’s a big step toward independence. Gordon never hesitates to help out with yardwork at the Workshop and convent. He has three adult children, and his plans include being present in their lives.
On a sad note, we mourn the sudden passing of Andre Mills, our night manager. Andre died on May 26. He was a member of the Workshop family for almost a year and a half. Andre would drive residents to AA meetings in the evening and then hold down the fort during the overnight hours. We pray that the Lord will grant Andre, His faithful servant, eternal life in heaven.
Andre’s obituary can be found here: https://www.lewisnwatsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/andre-mills
The Joseph House Workshop can accommodate up to eight men. If you know someone who might benefit from the program, please contact us and we will direct your message to Nick: Contact Form.
What Dorothy Day said years ago is still true: “We are not expecting utopia here on earth, but God meant things to be much easier than we have made them.”
It takes a united effort to make the world a more hospitable place for everyone. Your support of our work is greatly appreciated. We remember you with much love in our prayers every day.
Your Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary
Prayer Requests: Send us your special intentions and the Little Sisters will pray for you: Contact Form.
Donations: Your contribution will help people in need: Donate.