St. Joseph House Coordinator and Catholic Worker Explains House of Hospitality’s Continuing Mission

Bud Courtney, the coordinator for the St. Joseph House of hospitality in Lower Manhattan, aims to foster personal connections with the people the community serves. Courtney, a member of the Catholic Worker movement, makes an effort to learn the names of those in the soup line to ensure they are treated with dignity.

Located at 36 E. First St., St. Joseph House has provided food to hungry New Yorkers since 1968. The house currently serves approximately 150 people each day when the soup line is open. Courtney has been involved with the house for 19 years, serving first as a volunteer and later as a live-in member of the community.

Courtney noted that increasing interaction between volunteers and guests is a priority for the house. For many guests who have nowhere else to go, the house serves as a safe environment and a place to find friendship. Courtney observed that some guests have been visiting the house longer than he has been a member.