Dandelion House: Planting Seeds and Spreading Hope
Dandelion House Director Fumi Tosu (l.) enjoys a weekly community meal with Catholic Workers and resident guests.
by Kari Litscher
Dandelion House, an intentional community in Portland, Ore., is making a significant impact in its second year of operation, with the help of a Ministry Partnership Grant from the Sisters of Charity, BVM.
Fumi Tosu, the director of Dandelion House, has a relationship with BVM sisters which spans many years. He first met Elizabeth Avalos and Marilyn (Claudia Mary) Wilson about 15 years ago while protesting nuclear weapons outside a Lockheed plant in Sunnyvale, Calif.
“I was touched by their witness and wondered, ‘Who are these nuns protesting nukes?’” he recalls. Fumi was inspired by their commitment to social justice and their belief that the BVM spirit will continue to live on through the work of those outside the vowed members.
When Elizabeth and Marilyn learned that Fumi was moving to Portland they suggested he reach out to BVM Linda Roby who lived there at the time. A new friendship was formed. Fumi and Linda met several times while he was “house hunting” for a place to launch Dandelion House. Linda shares, “I was very impressed with his dedication to this new venture . . . I was thrilled to be able to visit the new Dandelion House shortly before I left Portland. It is such a humble abode with a perfect space for a large vegetable garden around it.”
Linda sponsored Dandelion House for the Ministry Partnership Grant, stating, “In working for systemic change at a higher level, the Dandelion House staff works with other local organizations, advocating for those who are homeless. I see them as a vibrant extension of our BVM mission.”
Cultivating Connection and Belonging
As part of the Catholic Worker movement, Dandelion House addresses the intersecting crises of homelessness, climate change, and social injustice. Fumi states, “We gather and organize people committed to a world rooted in radical justice and nonviolence.”
Dandelion House is not just about providing services; it’s about building a community rooted in love and support. As an intentional lay community, they commit to living simply and sharing a common prayer life. Guests are welcomed into their home and become part of the community for the duration of their stay, typically ranging from three to six months. Guests participate in community meals, chores, and daily life, fostering a sense of belonging. Dandelion House also invests time,
energy, and prayer into helping build a safe “today” and a thriving “tomorrow.”
Fumi explains, “Catholic Worker staff meets weekly with guests to support them in their goals, which range from registering for health insurance to finding employment.”
Feeding Hearts and Bodies
Another vital aspect of Dandelion House’s work is the weekly hot meal program, which has expanded significantly. In a year and a half’s time, the program has grown from serving just 35 weekly meals to providing up to 150 meals each week.
Dandelion House has also implemented a fresh food gardening program. This initiative reduces reliance on external food sources and engages the community in sustainable practices. Recently, Dandelion House added six new vegetable beds to their community garden. These gardens successfully provided four months of fresh salads during the summer of 2024.
Navigating Hurdles with Resilience
Like any organization, Dandelion House faces its share of challenges. Building shelters and affordable housing is essential but often requires significant time, money, and political will. Fumi highlights the potential of their “Rooms for Love” program, noting, “We know there are more than enough empty bedrooms in the area,” he states.
“It’s been hard to find others who want to house individuals in need,” Fumi acknowledges, yet the team remains dedicated to exploring creative solutions to keep the program alive.
Growing Community Support
To sustain its programs, Dandelion House relies on community support. Fumi and his team are working to grow their support base and mailing list by giving talks at local parishes and engaging with the community. Their goal is to add 150–200 people to their mailing list each year to ensure long-term sustainability. Remarkably, in 2024, they exceeded this goal by welcoming 207 new supporters.
Fumi emphasizes the importance of volunteers, noting that Dandelion House benefits from about 20 regulars who assist with various aspects of the programs. They help with cooking, serving food, mentoring guests, and gardening.
To heat their house during colder months, Dandelion House relies on volunteers to collect cut trees and to prepare the firewood. Fumi recounts how a Boy Scout built a wood-shed for his Eagle Scout project—a creative and practical blessing!
Heartfelt Gratitude and Continued Dedication
As they look to the future, Dandelion House is determined to continue its mission of providing support and hospitality to those in need.
Fumi shares, “We are so grateful to the BVM Sisters for your support of our ministry. You have been mentors, friends, and partners in this work. Please pray for us as we endeavor to be faithful stewards of this funding on behalf of those in need.”
Dandelion House demonstrates how intentional living and teamwork can lead to real change. By meeting the immediate needs of their guests and supporting their long-term goals, they’re planting seeds for a more just and compassionate society—like a dandelion that releases its seeds to the wind, spreading hope and new possibilities, one changed life at a time.
To learn more, visit: dandelionhouse.org.
This story was featured in:
Winter 2025: Celebrating 50 Years of Salt
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