Every year, The Doe Fund holds a candlelight vigil in memory of a homeless woman known only as “Mama.” The tradition began on Christmas morning 1985, when Mama passed away after police evicted her into the freezing cold the night before. Her death brought together an entire community dedicated to addressing homelessness — and led to the creation of The Doe Fund, which is named after the pseudonym on Mama’s death certificate.

Since then, The Doe Fund has empowered 30,000 individuals with the skills, resources, and support to overcome homelessness. Mama’s tragic death shows that when we come together, we can find solutions to even the most difficult crises. So this year, we’re not just lighting candles. We’re sparking a movement.

This Holiday Season, Gather #DoeTogether to Give the Gift of Opportunity.

Here’s how you can join us:

Running in a turkey trot or other race during the holidays? You can convert your distance traveled into donations to The Due Fund for FREE! We’ve partnered with WeWard to make your steps help the Men in Blue’s as they ascend the economic ladder. Just download the app here and follow the instructions in this guide.

Want to learn how we’re innovating to close the revolving door of recidivism? Find out about our outreach to justice-involved individuals at our webinar with The Liberty Fund on Thursday, 12/14 at 1pm.

At 10am on Christmas morning (Monday, 12/25), gather #DoeTogether at our Mama Doe Memorial to honor homeless lives lost and celebrate those reclaimed. The vigil will be at St. Agnes Church (143 E 43rd St), which played a critical role in the founding of The Doe Fund.

Light a virtual candle in support of our work and become a Firesoul — someone who ignites change. #DoeTogether, we’ll signal a groundswell of support for proven solutions to homelessness like Ready, Willing & Able. 

Raise awareness by sharing our content on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok — as well as by creating your own using the #DoeTogether hashtag. We even have a social media toolkit to help! For example, you can Turn Black Friday Blue by posting about your support of the Men in Blue.

Starting Tuesday, 11/21, we’re hosting Thanksgiving Giveaways across our housing portfolio. Generous community partners are putting together hundreds of care kits stocked with essentials, winter clothing, and toys to our residents and their children for the holidays. Want to contribute? Contact us! 

Looking for a way to give back on Cyber Monday? Check out our Amazon Wishlist! Just select “The Doe Fund’s Gift Registry Address” during checkout and residents of our permanent affordable and supportive housing will receive these much-needed supplies.

Advance our proven solutions to homelessness and recidivism by donating to The Doe Fund on Giving Tuesday (11/28) and sharing with your peers. #DoeTogether, we can make this our biggest #GivingTuesday ever — and extend the gift of opportunity to even more people in need.