Nearly 40 years ago, God placed a question on the hearts of long-time Lake Avenue Church members Steve and Iris Lazarian: how do we partner with Jesus to end homelessness for families? Inspired by "listening conferences" hosted by John Perkins to understand the needs of the community in northwest Pasadena, they bought a house on Los Robles Avenue, and Door of Hope was born.
The four decades since have been a wild ride: one home became four, room for 5 families turned into room for 34, a homelessness prevention program was launched, and over 1,000 families have been served in Jesus’ name. As the problem of homelessness grows in LA County today, Door of Hope is prayerfully pursuing a plan to open two new shelters in the next five years, increasing our capacity to shelter 60 families. Five years after families graduate the program, 87% have never returned to homelessness again. We can end homelessness, one family at a time.
When you ask graduates what makes Door of Hope unique, you will hear words like family, home, and love. That’s because whether they come to know Jesus as their Savior, or become more open to Jesus during their stay, Jesus is at work beckoning families to himself through the family culture, homelike environment, and unconditional love they experience at Door of Hope.
Upcoming! As Door of Hope prepares for new shelters, we are giving our current shelters an Extreme Shelter Makeover. You can purchase a household item, give a gift, or find out how to volunteer your handyman skills at: www.doorofhope.us/makeover. Visit our table in the Worship Center Lobby to find out more. Questions? Contact Emily Abbott at or 626.304.9130, x114.