The Catholic Worker Movement began in 1933 during the Great Depression when Dorothy Day, guided by French philosopher Peter Maurin, began addressing social problems by practicing the works of mercy (described in Matthew 25) in Houses of Hospitality and Farming Co-ops. They created and distributed a newspaper call “The Catholic Worker” that promoted the biblical promises of justice and mercy.  Grounded in a firm belief in the God-given dignity of every human person, their movement was a committed to nonviolence, voluntary poverty, and the Works of Mercy as a way of life. Over one hundred “houses of hospitality” where the homeless, the hungry, and the forsaken would always be welcome now exist all over the world.

Isaiah House of the Orange County Catholic Worker has served poor people with dignity since 1987 when Jonathan and Rio Parfrey took $20,000 and their four kids, came to Santa Ana.  Located in Santa Ana’s eastside barrio on Cypress Street, this house of hospitality is open to people in need. Respectful personal attention is at the heart of our service.

Isaiah House offers formal meals for the homeless, shelter, bags of food and clothing, showers, emergency assistance, a relaxing backyard, and always a friendly ear and kind words of support.

The work of Isaiah House continues with under the guidance of Dwight and Leia , Catholic Workers, hundreds of guests, and countless volunteers.  They have been brought together in an attempt to discover, “who Jesus is” through action and prayer.

The Mission of the Orange County Catholic Worker is to:

• Be a community seeking God by living with the poor;
• Share dignity through home-cooked meals, friendship, and the offering of shelter and other basic services;
• Resist the dominant culture of violence and addiction through adherence to Christ’s law of non-violence, service and serenity;
• Embrace the Gospel values of simple living and trust in God’s providence, and;
• Encounter God through prayer, liturgy, service, and contemplation.

Aware of our individual and societal illnesses, and through the gift of our faith in a healing God, we are encouraged to face pain, speak truth, and celebrate resurrection.

Catholic Worker serves about 2100 hot meals each week, and provides food to other soup kitchens through Isaiah House. They provide hospitality to homeless women and children when the Armory is closed. Volunteers are welcome Sunday mornings and every day at 4:30PM. Call to see if you’re needed: sometimes we they have too many helpers! Thank God. (714) 835-6304

They offer sustenance for the body, but also for the heart and soul. Their goal is to reach out to those who are forgotten and alone, hoping to offer healing through friendship and commitment.  Additionally, they try to help one another to be living signs of Christ’s love by doing the corporal works of mercy at a personal sacrifice.

They do their work as a gift, and share those gifts directly with the poor.  They offer their home as a place where all can be transformed by serving those in need. There is an open door to those most at risk on the streets. They offer clothes and other necessities to those facing homelessness.

Catholic Worker invites you to join them as they serve their sisters and brothers as they perform the corporal works of mercy and get to know Christ in our midst.

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday are open workdays for the house. They are always grateful for your help.

Meals are provided both to people living on the streets as well as those who stay in their home with them. On these days preparations are made for both a morning and an evening meal. Helping with cooking, serving, fellowship and clean-up are all greatly needed.

If you aren’t a food person, they can use your gifts, too! People are needed to help keep things beautiful, orderly and fun. There is always room for a set of hands to help. You can come to do crafts, play cards, cut hair, or just listen and chat.

Please check their Facebook updates for the times you

are needed most. If you have a group of more than three people, please set up a special time. If you want to talk further or schedule a group, please contact them either by phone at (714) 835-6304 or online at Orangecountycatholicworker@gmail.com.

All are invited to join them wherever you are as they pray and reflect on the work they are called to do here, and the ways they are called to be witnesses of hope, justice and peace in our world. You’re invited to share your reflections on the blog and Facebook page.  There are also clarification meetings and retreats. Check our updates on Facebook for dates and times of these special events.

Donations of items are always accepted:

• Blankets; sleeping bags; Men’s clothes and underwear (M and L); adult athletic socks;
• Deodorant; Toilet paper; Toothbrushes and Toothpaste; razors
• Tents or tarps; flashlights or small lanterns with batteries;
• Combs & brushes; Bottled water; Baby wipes or wet wipes
• Turkeys; hams; ground beef; coffee; sugar;
• Bus passes, Smart and Final gift cards, and your prayers!