About Us
A Vision Driven Organization
Bread & Roses is a non-profit intentional community dedicated to building a world where it is “easier for people to be good.” We provide hospitality to the poor, practice the works of mercy, live in community, and lift our voices in service of a more just social order.
A Blessed Community
Bread & Roses’ historical roots in the Catholic Worker movement set the vision for our community. The House of Hospitality is a place of beauty that offers warm welcome to those in need.
Like St. Therese of Lisieux, we believe that little things make a big difference, and we do not underestimate the value of a friendly smile and a well kept home. The homeless women (guests) whom we welcome into our community are treated to a home-cooked breakfast five days per week, and are invited for a large community dinner every friday night.
By welcoming the homeless as guests in our home, we elevate their social role. A guest is an honored person in one’s home; it is customary to put a great deal of effort into cleaning, cooking, and making general preparations for house guests. This is the same effort and care that we will offer for every guest in our home – only the best of what we have will be offered. By offering an honored role to the homeless, we contribute to the healing and growth necessary for regaining stability.
A Prophetic Voice
Bread & Roses has long been an active reminder of the needs of the poor. As a community sharing our home with the homeless, our lives are tightly linked with those we serve. And we give voice to our witness.
As a long-time advocate for the poor, Bread & Roses has played an instrumental role in some of Olympia’s greatest victories. Camp Quixote (our local tent city) was organized out of the former Bread & Roses Advocacy Center. The Drexel House was envisioned through a partnership between Catholic Community Services, Bread & Roses, Thurston County, and the Housing Authority – and was built on the site of Bread & Roses’ former men’s shelter. Bread & Roses was active in the community process for developing Thurston County’s Ten Year Homeless Housing Plan, and has led successful campaigns to prevent passage of laws criminalizing homelessness.
From civil rights to community planning, and from volunteerism to community organizing, Bread & Roses has reminded us all of our obligations to our neighbors in need.
As the economy decays, as homelessness grows, and as social services disappear, the need for a strong voice of conscience is more important than ever. We will work together with local churches and temples, civic organizations, social service organizations, and the homeless community to build a vibrant movement for social justice.
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