Best Moments of 2023 Annual Report
Celebrating Your Impact You are Simply the Best!
Our Mission Empowering families facing homelessness to transform their lives.
Table of Contents Welcome from the Chief Executive Officer......3 Best Moments of Homelessness Prevention.............................4 Best Moments of Transitional Housing.........6 The Best is Yet to Come.................................8 Best Moments of Alumni Support.................10 Financial Stewardship........................12 More Moments that made 2023 the Best!.......13 The Door of Hope Family....................................14
Jaque with her children, 2023 Homelessness Prevention Client and Door of Hope Intern.
Ways to Get Involved.....16
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Moments that Transform Us A Letter from the Chief Executive Officer
W hen you reflect on 2023, what was your best moment? Mine came when my six-year-old daughter, Lucine, asked me how Door of Hope kids get their Christmas presents. I told her about our Secret Santa program, through which families’ wish lists are published on our website for people like her and me to purchase the
gifts. Eyes wide, she followed, “Could we be a family’s Secret Santa?” Having set aside $267 throughout the year to “help other people,” Lucine spent it all on five kids living at Door of Hope. It felt like I received a gift that day. Getting to witness Door of Hope’s values and ethos shape, not only the 430 families served this year, but my own kids … that was my memorable moment from 2023. For Door of Hope families, best moments included a father signing a brand new lease after an arduous housing search; a mother completing a professional certificate that would lead to higher earnings; a young boy receiving straight As after struggling in school because of the stress of homelessness; a family hearing their landlord agreed to halt eviction proceedings.
Prevent homelessness for 204 families 277 parents and 413 children! Shelter 66 families 71 parents and 138 children! Sustain housing for 198 families in our alumni support program! Serve 24% more families than in 2022 In 2023, you helped us...
With your help, we served more families than any other year in Door of Hope’s history!
Wendy, a Transitional Housing alum, celebrates her college graduation!
I am eager to recap 2023, but I am even more excited to see what 2024 holds … with your continued support in 2024, the best is yet to come!
With joyful gratitude and heartfelt appreciation,
Rev. Megan Katerjian Chief Executive Officer
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Best Moments of Homelessness Prevention W ith more people falling into homelessness than escaping it every day in LA County, the most effective way to end homelessness is to prevent it. That is why our Homelessness Prevention Program exists, which offers emergency rental assistance, landlord mediation, and financial literacy to foster financial stability and emotional health, and help families maintain their housing and regain self-sufficiency.
Melinda and her daughter
Homelessness Prevention Impact in 2023
What’s the Impact? 96% Housed 1 year later 90% Increased income 46% Increased savings 204 Families served How Do We Serve? 1,182 Case management sessions 267 Support group sessions $743,836 Rental assistance
Megan Katerjian with Pasadena Mayor, Victor Gordo
We made a BIG impact in Pasadena! In 2023, 40% of the families in our prevention program were from Pasadena! We are deeply thankful for our partnership with the City of Pasadena, which multiplied your support and helped us increase the number of families we serve in our own backyard.
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We served 10% MORE families! “ If it wasn’t for Door of Hope, I would be out on the streets with my daughter right now .” Heart racing, Melinda could barely comprehend the news her oncologist delivered. “Cervical cancer,” she internally repeated to herself. “ But how will I provide for my daughter ?” Needing a life-saving procedure that would require her to take 4-6 weeks off of work, Melinda was faced with an impossible situation. A single mother without an expendable income, she worried about an eviction and the subsequent challenge of finding housing while recovering from a major surgery. That is when she found Door of Hope and enrolled in the Homelessness Prevention Program.
Beyond remaining housed, she received job and career training at Door of Hope, which helped her become licensed to serve court documents. Today, Melinda’s life looks drastically different than it did the day of the diagnosis. She has healed from a successful surgery and is cancer free, maintains a full-time job as a Process Server, and has even begun part-time work as an affordable housing advocate. With a new hope for her future, she shares, “ Door of Hope uplifted me and pushed me further … this program was my miracle.”
In partnership with the government, YOU stepped in and made prevention possible for over 200 families in 2023! Simply the BEST!
We made a BIG impact across LA County! Families facing eviction across LA County need a
holistic model that prevents homelessness in a successful, cost-effective way. Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office has helped fuel our growth by supporting our prevention services in the fifth district. “There is no doubt in my mind that Door of Hope is changing lives, and that your model works … The government cannot take on this issue alone — we need the work of faith based organizations like Door of Hope.”
Megan Katerjian with LA County 5th District Supervisor, Kathryn Barger
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Best Moments of Transitional Housing O ver 4,000 families – 6,230 children – are experiencing homelessness in LA County; and in Door of Hope’s service area the number of unhoused families increased by 22% last year. For those already experiencing homelessness, our Transitional Housing Program shelters 38 families at a time across four shelters – including mothers, fathers, domestic violence survivors, and their children. We empower families to move towards healing and self-sufficiency through case management, life skills classes, job and career counseling, therapy, and Christian spiritual care.
Peggy Bedevian and client explore career opportunities
MORE parents received higher paying jobs! Our Job and Career Development Program is pivotal in equipping families to become self- sufficient. Peggy, our Job and Career Developer, shares, “When working with a mom or dad at Door of Hope, it’s about thinking long-term to see who a person is in the world and how they want to engage in the world of work.” This year, 29% of graduating families earned educational scholarships, and 75% attained stable employment - as a result, they’re empowered to translate their skills into a sustainable career.
Transitional Housing Impact in 2023
66 Families sheltered: 71 Parents, 138 Children
What’s the Impact? 78% Increased income 82% Increased savings
92% Improved spiritual & mental health 91% Improved social outcomes for children
How Do We Serve? 1,200 Case management sessions
1,054 Life skill sessions 572 Spiritual care hours
Simply the BEST! YOU helped more families than ever before move into stable housing and into hope.
1,492 Adult & Child therapy sessions 1,749 Child/teen mentoring sessions
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We celebrated MORE program graduates than ever before! Victory was in no short supply as 28 families – an all time high – got keys to their new homes and moved into bright futures! “Thanks to Door of Hope, and to everyone who has encouraged me, given me wisdom, and prayed for me. Without you, I would not be graduating today. Without God, I would not be here.” – Erika
MORE families gained access to affordable housing! In 2023, we helped families leverage government resources so they’ll only spend 30% of their income on rent. And we helped families access grants and donated items to fully furnish their new homes. That means that families not only keep their hard- earned savings, but have a safety net and affordable rent to remain housed long-term.
When our Housing Navigator finds an apartment for a graduating family,
we celebrate by ringing the “Graduation Gong!”
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THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
Photo rendering
Coming 2026...
W hen we closed escrow in November, we knew that this was a moment that would change everything. Door of Hope is opening its fifth shelter. “The David and Katherine Lee Home” will house 20 families - more than any other shelter! The Lee Home is just around the corner from Iris’ Home, our original shelter renamed from Los Robles in honor of Door of Hope’s late founder, Iris Lazarian.
Rev. Andy Bales, retired CEO of Union Rescue Mission, generously offered to sell his home to Door of Hope below market after hearing our dream to open a fifth shelter. We didn’t hesitate to purchase it, and will be breaking ground in 2024. A longtime member of Door of Hope’s advisory board, Andy said he always imagined his home would one day become a refuge for children and is honored to partner with Door of Hope.
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Shelter MORE than ever before
The former home of Rev. Andy Bales, retired CEO of Union Rescue Mission, is the site of our future shelter!
With this addition, Door of Hope’s shelter capacity will increase by nearly 56% in just 2 years, from 36 families to 56 families! “Nobody does this work better than Door of Hope” -Bales
Over the next two years, we are preparing the shelter for incoming families by constructing an addition to the house, so there will be 20 bedrooms and 20 bathrooms for 20 families. With this addition, Door of Hope’s shelter capacity will increase by nearly 56% in just 2 years, from 36 families to 56 families! Many generous donors are making this possible! David Lee shares that he is inspired to support Door of Hope because of its holistic program, and its success working with families facing homelessness: “We can’t solve all the problems, but at least, with whatever we can solve, it’s done in a successful way,” Lee explains. As incoming Board Chair, Tyler Lazarian reflected on the best of 2023, he said: “I’m amazed by the support for the Lee Home project. Faithful supporters have consistently risen to the challenge...I’ve witnessed God’s hand at work in the Door of Hope community.”
2024 Board Chair, Tyler Lazarian, leading a Lee Home Vision Reception in prayer.
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Best Moments of Alumni Support H omelessness is an ongoing cycle that is difficult to break. In fact, studies show that up to 36% of transitional housing families become homeless again. That is why once families are on the other side of homelessness, we help ensure long-term stability through our Alumni Support Program. By helping families settle into their homes, providing ongoing case management, therapy, spiritual care and emergency assistance, we tell our alumni that once you are part of the Door of Hope family, you are always family.
2023 Christmas Festival had record attandence - 135 families came!
We served MORE alumni than ever before! Whether through case management, therapy, volunteerism, or bible study, we saw a significant increase in engagement with our alumni in 2023. Wendi Gaines, Alumni Support Program Case Manager and former resident, shares, “Alumni are recognizing that we can help them achieve their goals and maintain sustainability. We show them that we care about them … about the whole person.”
Alumni Support Impact in 2023
What’s the Impact? 99% Employed at 1 year 95% Housed at 1 year 88% Housed at 3 years 86% Housed at 5+ years 198 Families Served
How Do We Serve? 280 Case management sessions 239 Adult therapy sessions 264 Spiritual care hours
Simply the BEST! YOU make it possible for alumni to continue receiving access to resources and long-lasting relationships to empower alumni to maintain housing.
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Alumni returned to serve! No one can relate to Door of Hope families quite like alumni. That’s why we’re thrilled when moms, dads, and kids who graduate from Door of Hope give back and volunteer with families currently in the program. Alumni helped sustain our work in 2023 by serving as experts on career panels, volunteering with the children’s program, organizing booths at our bi-annual carnivals, and so much more. Leilani, an alumni from the Transitional Housing Program, shared: “I actively engage in volunteer work at Door of Hope because I want to give back to a place that has been so significant in my life..”
Power of the Peer Career Panel
In 2023, alumni spanning 20 years, staff and board members gathered to celebrate one of the people with whom they share an ongoing relationship: Ms. Almaz, Door of Hope’s Spiritual Director. We celebrated LASTING relationships, which make all the difference!
“My favorite memory of Ms. Almaz is when she taught me how to pray out loud. It was at breakfast one morning in front of everyone. And I will forever appreciate her for that.” - Zakiyah, Transitional Housing alum
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2023 Financial Stewardship
2%
2%
2%
Individuals
$3,151,161 62%
4%
Foundations
566,715
11%
7%
In-Kind
510,391 10%
Organizations Government Corporations
369,849 195,189 124,587
7% 4% 2%
10%
Operating Income
11%
Churches
117,884
2%
62%
Other
87,061
2%
TOTAL
$5,122,837 100%
8%
Programs
$4,046,482 80%
12%
580,157 413,822
Development
12%
Management & General
8%
Operating Expenses
TOTAL
$5,040,462 100%
80%
Financial are reported on a cash basis (except in-kind transactions), which will differ from audited financial statements. Audited financial statements will be available upon request in March 2024.
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More moments that made 2023 the Best!
The Best Instagram Post! Spiderman, Nadji Jeter, visits the children’s program. 1,133 likes!
The Best Emcee’s! Cynthia McWilliams and Tony Hale were perfect hosts at our spring and fall fundraising events this year!
The Best Event! Our annual Hope for the Future benefit. Thanks to table captains and gracious hosts: Steve and Carina Walker, who generously opened their award- winning home to host the event!
The Best Birthday Cake! Having a love for McDonald’s, one-child requested a McDonald’s themed cake for his birthday. Shoutout to For Goodness Cakes!
The Change Reaction goes above and BEYOND. In addition to providing furnishing and support to thew families, they threw a massive party at the Villa shelter – AND fueled a $100K match challenge! Simply the best.
We enjoyed the best staff retreat at Mater Dolorosa, immersing ourselves in nature, laughter, self-discovery and spiritual renewal. We learned more about God, ourselves, and each other.
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Robert Lagace, Chair Managing Director for Los Angeles Middle Market Banking, JP Morgan Chase (Retired) Tyler Lazarian, Vice Chair Chief Operating Officer, Electric Service & Supply Co. Carl Clauson, Treasurer Controller, J.H. Snyder Co. (Retired) Dick Kleinert, Secretary & Chair of Board Governance Committee Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP (Retired) Jen Argue, Chair of Development Committee Life Coach and Business Coach, Life Coaching Collective Brian Kim Portfolio Manager, Northern Trust Charlie Plowman Publisher, Outlook Newspapers Board Members
Daniel Fong Founder & Teacher, Million Dollar Baby David Bunn Attorney, Bunn & Bunn Attorneys at Law David Lee Chairman & CEO, Hing Wa Lee Group Joseph Montes Attorney, Burke, Williams, & Sorensen, LLP Kay Wolking Regional Managing Director for Pasadena Private Banking, Wells Fargo (Retired) Kimberly Kirui Community Engagement Associate, Imagine LA and Program Graduate Sarah Silk Community Volunteer
Business Sponsors
Broadus Foods * Ecobat Resources * 5th District Supv Kathryn Barger * Hawk Ridge, LP * Million Dollar Baby * PennyMac *
The Berns Team * BTG Advisors * Century, Affordable Housing * Essco, Electric Service & Supply Co * Fiedler Group * Kevin Grahn, Compass * *
Kiddie Academy * Weaver & Associates * Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP * Outlook Newspapers * J.D. Gilmour & Co. * Norris Realty Advisors *
* GOLD * SILVER * BRONZE
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Church Partners Alhambra True Light Presbyterian Arcadia Chinese Baptist Church Arcadia Community Church Chinese Evangelical Free Church Christian Assembly Foursquare Church Church of the Foothills Church of the Transfiguration Epicentre Church
First Congregational Church of Pasadena First Presbyterian Church, Altadena Foothills Community Church Grace Pasadena Joy Christian Center Church Knox Presbyterian Church La Canada Presbyterian Church Lake Avenue Church Mandarin Baptist Church of Los Angeles Montrose Church Goodwin Family Memorial Trust Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation In-N-Out Burger Foundation Mericos Foundation Pasadena Child Health Foundation Pasadena Community Foundation Patron Saints Foundation Pearl Gray Fund
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church Oneonta Congregational Church Pasadena Presbyterian Church Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church San Gabriel Presbyterian Church San Marino Community Church The Well – San Gabriel Valley Victory Bible Church Vintage Church
Faith Harvest Church Fellowship Monrovia
Foundation Partners Ann Peppers Foundation Bank of America Foundation Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation Community Foundation of the Verdugos
Sisters of St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation The Carl and Roberta Deutsch Foundation The Earl and Anna Broady Foundation The Fitzberg Foundation
Ethel J. Scantland Foundation George Hoag Family Foundation Glendale Memorial Hospital & Health Center Good Hope Medical Foundation
The Green Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation Yes, Virginia Fund
2023 Hope for the Future Benefit Made Possible by our Business Sponsors
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“Best” Ways to Get Involved
Connect Relationally Jane develops close relationships with the children and teens at the Casa shelter • Serve as a meal donor • Help with childcare • Chaperone a field trip Empower Transformation Dolores teaches life skills classes
– in English and in Spanish • Teach a life skills class • Translate for a family • Practice your profession
Support Operationally Chad is one of our star furniture assemblers this year • Make a donation • Provide admin/operational support • Fulfill supply needs Celebrate Victories Christian Assembly Church hosts a food booth at our annual Christmas Festival • Become a Birthday Angel • Support our graduates • Host a carnival booth
For a complete list of ways to get involved, scan the QR code, visit our website or email volunteer@doorofhope.us
@thedoorofhope @doorofhope
221 E. Walnut Street | Suite112 Pasadena, CA 91101
626-304-9130 doorofhope.us
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