I had the pleasure, to tour a facility called the “Door of Hope” located in Pasadena. It is a small home that educates and councils struggling families. It was a refreshing look at how donations are used to truly change lives.
The Door of Hope is a facility that relies on donations from churches, private groups and organizations and the general community. I had never heard of them until my daughters 2nd grade class from Clairbourn School had a pocket change drive and helped to raise over $2,000 in donations. The children were then allowed to tour the home first hand to see what their efforts were supporting. I chaperoned the trip along with other parents and was surprised and moved by what we heard.
The home is able to house up to 8 families. Their purpose is to keep families together and teach them the skills they need to find employment, save for a home and impart parenting knowledge to keep the family strong and responsible.
When a family arrives they are typically in competition with approx 20 other families that have applied for the residence spot. They have to show their willingness to improve their lives. Once they move in, they live in the main house and are given one room for the family. They are expected to share the home with other new families and are responsible for cooking one night of the week and also keeping the home clean. All meals are shared together in the dining room with each family dining together. After dinner they have counseling sessions and classes to prepare them for employment. Once they prove themselves they are rewarded by moving into one of the private apartments behind the home. Each apartment has a living room, bedroom, kitchenette and bath. Once at this level they are still counseled and are saving for a place of their own. This program is not only educating the parents, but the children as well. The children are enrolled in school and the home has an after school program for them. This gives them a stable foundation that is important for their future life successes.
It is wonderful to know that the “Door of Hope” exists and really works! I will be honest that I was skeptical before our visit. I am used to being asked for handouts at many street corners and parking lots in Pasadena. You could give money to many homeless any day of the week on your way to work or running errands around town. You see the same people in the same areas asking for money everyday. You know your supporting someone day to day or being scammed by some professionals. You can give money to large organizations and know that greed and the sheer weight of the organization eats the majority of what is donated. But with The “Door of Hope” you can donate things as small as toothpaste and toilet paper and know it is needed and appreciated .
We spoke with current and past families that have been helped by the “Door of Hope”. Their experience proves there is a great place for people who desire something better for themselves and their children. You know that your donations make an immediate difference in someone’s life. You can donate items, money or services. They have a wishlist on their website. Remember… the donations made to this organization are a hand up and not a hand out.
Our church (La Canada Presbyterian) supports Door of Hope. It’s a great place.