Paying It Forward! – Door of Hope

Who We Are

About Us

Meet the Team

Core Values & History

Trust and Transparency

What We Do

Homelessness Prevention

Transitional Housing

Alumni Support

Hope Stories

Our Impact

Ways to Get Involved

2023 In-Kind Donations

Christmas Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Appreciation

Take a Tour

Sponsorship

Ways to Give

Make a Gift

Planned Giving

Community of Vision

Meet the Development Team

Donate

by Katie Joseph
All, Door of Hope Alumni, Homeless Prevention, Hope, Healing, Home
February 15, 2020

If you take a look in the “memo” section of this check it says “1st loan payment,” and it’s exactly that! The check is from Tahnia, the first recipient of our Homelessness Prevention Program’s “Pay It Forward Fund” who has moved from being at-risk of losing her home…to stabilized in her home and launched as an entrepreneur!

“I never thought it could happen to me…to us.” That’s what Tahnia said when she found herself caught in a financial crisis, largely out of her control. A single mom, Tahnia worked hard as a teacher at a Private School to be able to provide food on the table, her monthly rent, and a loving home for her 16-year-old daughter, Mya. But, life quickly changed direction when the school where she worked lost their accreditation and laid off the teaching staff.

Around that same time, the apartment building that had been their home for almost two decades was sold. The new owners were being aggressive in their attempts to move out the existing tenants. With no income, no employment, and facing eviction, Tahnia couldn’t afford move-in costs for a new place. She didn’t know where to turn for help or what to do. It was then that Tahnia was introduced to Door of Hope’s Homelessness Prevention Program. We immediately connected her with one of our case manager’s who worked with her to come to an agreement with her landlords. Through our program we also provided financial assistance that helped her pay the arrears mandated by the court order.Already, Tahnia has found new employment (she landed another teaching job and is working on starting independent tutoring and budget coaching businesses), and through case management, she is identifying ways to generate new streams of income in order to maintain her housing.

Door of Hope launched the “Pay it Forward Fund” several months ago – a special fund for families like Tahnia’s. The fund will be used to empower families to get back on their feet — and once they do they start to pay back their assistance. It builds financial accountability and responsibility for them, and it stretches the dollars further for us.

Related Posts

Anna’s Homelessness Prevention Story

Welcome, Robbin!

Congratulations Janet!!

Hope Stories

Lesley’s Story

March 16, 2023

Anna’s Homelessness Prevention Story

January 5, 2023

Welcome, Robbin!

June 3, 2022

Stay Connected

Subscribe to receive our latest updates from Door of Hope

We Invite You to Join Our Community of VisionClick HERE to learn more

Phone
(626) 304 – 9130 x 102

Email
info@doorofhope.us

Mailing Address
221 E. Walnut St. Suite 112
Pasadena, CA 91101

Tax I.D.
501 (c)3 EIN: 95-4044568

Stay ConnectedSubscribe to receive our latest updates from Door of Hope

Learn More

Trust and Transparency

Careers

Housing Navigation Committee

Can you easily navigate around housing or rental sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, or even Facebook Community Groups? Anywhere is a housing lead opportunity, and we need your help! Join a committee to secure housing leads for families graduating from our Transitional Housing Program into their permanent home. To apply, complete the General Application.

Youth Mentorship Program

Mentor a Door of Hope teenager for six months. Mentors and youth are matched according to career goals, educational goals, and personal interests. To apply, please complete the General Application and Supplemental Application

Practice Your Profession

Choose from eight ways to Practice your Profession and be of service to our families. We are seeking those who are willing to offer:
1. Pro Bono Services
2. Job Shadowing/Externships
3. Internships
4. Employment Opportunities
5. Participation in a Door of Hope Career Panel
6. Host a Workshop
7. Participate in an Informational Interview
8. Assistance with Practice Interviews
Join our ever-widening network of generous professionals. To apply, please complete the General Application and Supplemental Applications.

Carmella

As Director of Development, Carmella serves a team of fundraising and marketing professionals as we seek to connect supporters with the families we serve. Carmella considers it an honor and privilege to share the stories of the Door of Hope community (families, donors, volunteers and staff) and deeply believes our purpose in development is to facilitate mutually transformative relationships…for His glory.

Carmella earned her BBA from Ohio University. Her first love is accounting, starting out at Price Waterhouse, then Chief Financial Officer at banking institutions and later in secondary education. Carmella loves movies and limited series (especially true stories), audible books, jigsaw puzzles, walking, running and hanging out with friends and her twin daughters.

Carolyn Shankwiler

As the Development Associate at Door of Hope, most of Carolyn’s work is “behind the scenes”. She manages the donor database and answers questions donors may have about their contributions. She loves working at a Christian non-profit and being able to put her organizational skills to use.

Carolyn earned her BA in Sociology from Furman University in South Carolina. After college, she worked for a non-profit in Northern California for a year before returning to Pasadena and joining the Door of Hope team. During her free time, Carolyn enjoys baking, spending time with her dog, and is an avid reader.

Emily Abbott

Emily Abbott serves as the Associate Director of Development where she builds relationships between Door of Hope and individuals, churches, organizations, and businesses. She also works closely with the Volunteer Coordinator. She is delighted to be working for an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of families facing homelessness.

Prior to Door of Hope, Emily used her fundraising, communications, and community organizing skills at the California Institute of Technology, U.C. Riverside, the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Bread for the World, Church World Service, and the Interfaith Hunger Coalition. She earned her BA from Occidental College. Emily loves reading, hiking, gardening and spending time with her husband and dogs.

Carla Marr

Carla serves as the Marketing Associate where she creates digital and print visuals that communicate awareness of our organization and mission to end family homelessness. But more than that, Carla considers this role as an exciting opportunity to reveal all the goodness and glory that God is doing in our community. Whether it is the transformative stories of the families, the generosity of our donors, or the love from our volunteers, Carla loves to share how God is on the move!

Carla earned her BFA in Studio Art from UC Riverside, and a Professional Designation in Textile Design from FIDM, Los Angeles. Carla loves reading and working on various art + writing projects. She lives with her nerdy husband Andrew, her daughter Windy, and their three cats, Marlin, Mila, and Moo Moo.

Alli Burnison

Alli Burnison serves as Door of Hope’s Volunteer Coordinator, working with our community of volunteers and in-kind donors. In this role, she has the pleasure of collaborating with volunteers willing to share their time, skills, and passions in a way that furthers the mission and impact of Door of Hope. More than anything, she enjoys witnessing connections formed and trust developed between volunteers and residents.

Alli is a recent graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary with an M.A. in Theology and an emphasis in Islamic Studies. Prior to seminary, Alli studied Journalism and Intercultural Studies at Pepperdine University. Having lived in various cultural, ethnic, and religious contexts across South America, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa, Alli deeply values learning from diverse traditions. She is passionate about seeking justice in communities, and above all, hopes the Church acts as a conduit of peace. On a day off, Alli can be found sitting in the sun with a good book.

Provide Admin Support

If you enjoy completing tasks such as stuffing envelopes, sending letters, or assembling packages, we invite you to support the Door of Hope staff by contributing to administrative projects. If interested, please email volunteer@doorofhope.us

Partner in Prayer

In our desire to be fully led by God, we value prayer as a fundamental part of seeing our mission become a reality. We invite you to join our Prayer Team. You will receive a weekly text to pray for a family’s specific need, and a monthly invitation to join our staff for a thirty-minute prayer meeting, virtually or in person. To indicate your interest, please email volunteer@doorofhope.us

Fa La La Along

During the Christmas season, we have opportunities to enrich the holiday experience for parents and kids. You can Be a Secret Santa by sponsoring a family and purchasing their desired gifts. You can Donate to our Toy Drive by helping to fill our “Toy Store” for the Christmas Festival for residents and Alumni families. You can Donate a $50 Target Gift Card that helps a family purchase items they really need. SUBSCRIBE to our emails and be the first to hear and sign up for these opportunities…they go fast! No application is required.

Create an Opportunity

Celebrate the season! Join us in the holiday tradition, be it organizing an Easter egg hunt, donating ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal, bringing candy for Halloween or honoring our moms on Mother’s Day with flowers and chocolate. Perhaps you’d even like to share a tradition you do with your own family. Your efforts go a long way in spreading joy during any season. To apply, please complete the General Application.

Support our Graduates

We want to celebrate and bless our families who have made the transition from our shelter to their new home. In the spirit of acknowledging their efforts, we have set up a special Amazon Housewarming Wish List to bring together items needed to help furnish their space. When you make a purchase, you’re invited to share in the graduation ceremony and celebration. To apply, SUBSCRIBE to our email below, where upcoming graduations are announced. No application is required.

Host a Booth

Let’s have some fun! During our Summer Carnival in July, and our Christmas Festival in December, we need volunteers to host booths for games, treats, crafts, or any delightful engagement that brings smiles and joy to you and our families. From face painting to water balloon tossing to a hot chocolate booth and even a water dunk booth, we’re open to all imagination for a fun-filled experience. To apply, please complete the General Application.

Become a Birthday Angel

We LOVE to celebrate our kids who live with us at Door of Hope, and what better way than on their birthday! Birthday Angels purchase a gift on a child’s wishlist, wrap it up in bows and love, and deliver it to our Community Center along with a hand-written card. It could even be a tradition you do on your own birthday! To be connected with a child’s wish, please email volunteer@doorofhope.us Application is not required.

Fulfill Supply Needs

From cleaning supplies to towels to bedsheets, check out our Amazon Wish List to see current items needed by our families and at our homes. To ensure we may acknowledge your support, be sure to email items@doorofhope.us with a receipt of your purchase. No application is required.

Spread the Word

Invite your friends, family, or colleagues to attend a public or private, in-person or virtual Stories of Hope tour where we share about the homelessness crisis, our response to it, and learn how you can join us in making a difference. You’ll also engage with our Executive Director, ask questions, and hear from a family who has experienced our program. To indicate your interest, please email volunteer@doorofhope.us

Teach a Life Skills Class

Life skill classes empower our families to cultivate skills and establish patterns that sustain them in their journey toward healing and home. Classes offered in our program include parenting, financial literacy, nutrition, computer skills, and etiquette. Use your knowledge and experience to teach, train, and empower. We’ll provide the curriculum. This is typically a one-hour per week, six-week commitment. To apply, please complete the General Application and Supplemental Application.

Chaperone a Field Trip

From June to August, our Summer Kids Program includes field trips to a variety of locations such as cooling off at the pool, enjoying movies at the theatre, and being dazzled by the sea creatures at the aquarium. Scheduling begins eight weeks in advance. To be a chaperone, you must be at least 18 years of age, complete a Live Scan background check, provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19, and complete the General Application and Supplemental Application.

Engage in Childcare

Volunteers helping with childcare are able to build relationships with the kids in our homes while simultaneously serving our working and student parents. Opportunities are typically in the evening, Monday – Thursday. To be a childcare provider, you must be at least 16 yrs of age, complete a Live Scan background check, as well as provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. To apply, please fill out the General Application and Supplemental Application.

Meal Donor

Enjoy Cooking? Nothing says family more than enjoying dinner around the table. We invite you to join our table by preparing a meal for five to eight families at our Pasadena homes during the weekdays. Whether you’re a meal donor on a consistent basis or just once, it is deeply appreciated. Assembly a group, cook a meal, and gather at the table to connect and enjoy the meal with families. To apply, please complete the General Application.

Support program graduates' house warming essentials

Amazon Wishlist