Our History

Founded in 1970, Expanded in 2004

An ecumenical group of Christians established the Open Door in 1970 as a drop-in center to build relationships of support and caring with low-income urban young people.

When our founders discovered that many of these young men and women had nowhere to live, they expanded their focus to include overnight shelter, food, and personal support and encouragement for a better life.

We have been helping homeless young adults become self-supporting ever since.

Successful participants

- find employment and keep it
- save for future housing
- maintain sobriety
- earn the GED or High School diploma
- move into permanent, stable housing

Because many of our residents gain employment, save money, and still are not able to secure housing, in 2004 we began to provide permanent housing that our residents can afford.  We also eliminated barriers to housing that often keep low-wage workers homeless.

We are a charitable non-profit organization under Section 501[c]3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Open Door and Next Door Shelters will not discriminate against any individual or group on the account of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.