Volunteering at Dismas
At Dismas House, we believe in the power of proximity. As Bryan Stevenson says, "We cannot create justice without getting close to places where injustices prevail." We are not a volunteer-dependent organization, but we welcome community members who want to spend time with us, share experiences, and build connections.
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One of our favorite ways to do this is through shared meals. Volunteers, neighbors, and community members are invited to cook and eat dinner with us Monday through Thursday at 6:30 PM. Breaking bread together fosters conversation, understanding, and a true sense of belonging.
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We also offer occasional opportunities to work alongside us—whether that’s participating in a house workday, helping with our new garden in the spring, or joining us in one of the volunteer projects we’re doing in the community.
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For group volunteer opportunities, smaller groups of eight or fewer tend to be the best fit, but with planning, we can explore ways to accommodate larger groups.
If you’re interested in spending time with us, let’s connect. At Dismas, it’s not about what we need—it’s about building community together.
We Belong to One Another
At Dismas House, we believe that we belong to one another. Our residents recently embodied this by planning and leading a donation drive and service day to support our unhoused neighbors. Together, they collected coats, gloves, hats, hand warmers, and other essentials, assembling over 100 care bags, distributing 15+ brand new winter coats, and preparing 80 sack lunches.
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In partnership with Our Lady of the Road, an organization doing vital work in the community, our residents ensured these resources made it into the hands of those who needed them most. This effort wasn’t about charity—it was about solidarity, about showing up for our neighbors because everyone deserves warmth, dignity, and care.
Being a Good Neighbor
What started as a planned volunteer day turned into something even greater when Notre Dame ROTC cadets and Dismas House residents went the extra mile to support our friends at the Catholic Worker House. After completing their scheduled projects, these students and residents stayed late to clean up the back alley, ensuring a safer and more welcoming space for those who rely on the Catholic Worker’s services.
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True service isn’t just about showing up—it’s about seeing a need and stepping up to meet it. We’re grateful for the commitment and hard work of the Notre Dame ROTC cadets and our residents, who prove that small acts of service can have a lasting impact.