CROSSROADS CONCOURSE & MID-SOUTH FOOD BANK

This morning, we went to CROSSROADS. Crossroads used to be an old Sears manufacturing plant that was converted into an arts, health and science education center for the locals. There are small shops such as the bakery, “Lucy J’s”, who only employ those who live at the Dorothy Day House. Then after eating pastries, we learned about how significantly different the minimum wage payment are in Memphis compared to Colorado. The federal minimum wage is 7 dollars without receiving additional bonuses like tips.

After hearing from Tracy, the executive manager of the Dorothy Day House, she had us practice a budgeting exercise where we had to buy basic necessities (shelter, food, insurance, etc.) without going in debt. We also learned that there was a high school in the building that focuses on hands on project building skills. This was a great way to start our day learning about how different and hard it is for those who work in Memphis compared to Colorado.

After we finished learning at CROSSROADS, we went to Midsouth Food Bank. This is a food bank that distributes food all across Memphis for those who can’t afford to eat. We split up into multiple groups and sorted goods into different categories, which we then boxed and taped. Throughout the process, we checked for dented and expired food to make sure the food was still safe to eat. After our hard work, we sorted over 2500 pounds of food, which was estimated to over 5000 meals.

We split up into multiple groups after to go help out at the Room At the Inn and Urban Bike Ministries. Being halfway through this trip, we have learned so much about the community in Memphis and can’t wait to continue to learn and build more relationships!

Happy Birthday Dad!!! -Lainey