Home Sweet Hostel: Pilgrim House Hostel Opens Its Doors for Travelers

By Christina Holloway/MicroMemphis Reporter

Not many Memphians are aware of the hostel in Midtown Memphis.

Located in the back of First Congregational Church at Cooper and Walker, Pilgrim House --- the only hostel in Memphis --- has been welcoming travelers for more than five years.

Julia Hicks, director of mission for First Congo and supervisor of Pilgrim House, said that it was opened as a part of the church's Ministry of Hospitality --- before the hostel, it was just a living space.

"We have always been dedicated to something we call 'Welcoming the stranger,'" Hicks said.

A grant from the Assisi Foundation helped the hostel get bathrooms built, and windows repaired. A website was then set up, helping the Hostel get a bigger audience.

However, the hostel was in need of help. Seven resident advisers were hired, one to work each night a week. Each are committed to work 15 hours a week to cover the 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. visitation hours.

The RAs are required to do laundry, cleaning and host orientation for the guests. Since the fees are so inexpensive --- $15 per night and $35 a night for a private room, plus $15 for each additional guest (up to two) --- the guests are also asked to do simple chores, like sweeping the floors, wiping counters and dusting.

Guests of the hostel come from all over the country, and the world. Australians are the most popular guests, while guests from Hong Kong, Japan, and Europe visit as well.

However, guests from Memphis aren't allowed to stay, just in case they are a runaway, or they're trying to permanently move.

Like an on-campus dorm, no alcohol, pets or smoking are allowed in the hostel. The quiet hours are from 11-8, and no unregistered guests are allowed.

Bikes are available for rental as well, to make travel more convenient for guests.

As far as Hicks knows, there hasn't been a theft.

"It's inexpensive and it's safe," Hicks said.

Zach Glover, 22, is a native Memphian and RA in the hostel. He has been working as an RA for about two years, and took the job after he graduated from Rhodes.

Glover received an email about the position, which drove him to apply. He has connected with the church in many ways as well, through a film series, community involvement, and other group-oriented activities at church. He was also good friends with the man who used to work at the bike shop downstairs.

Being around people with different viewpoints is humbling and enlightening at the same time,  Glover said.

"As an RA, it's been an extremely valuable, life-changing thing in general to live around people who are different from you in many ways," Glover said.

Contact the hostel at (901) 273-8341.

Christina Holloway

Christina Holloway covers culture, events and nightlife for MicroMemphis
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You can follow her on Twitter @ceholloway12

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