After 35 years of addiction, Aaron had lost hope that life could be different. Childhood trauma, years in prison and 14 years of homelessness had left him exhausted and isolated. A serious infection eventually led to a 70-day hospital stay. After treatment, Aaron arrived at Open Door Mission (opendoormission.org) expecting only to replace his identification and return to the streets. Instead, staff members encouraged him to stay.

“They wanted better for me than I even wanted for myself,” Aaron says. “They believed that I could get sober.”

That belief became a spark of hope. Aaron joined the New Life Recovery Program, where practical support, accountability and Christ-centered care helped him begin rebuilding his life. As his relationship with God deepened, he discovered the dignity of being seen, valued and invited to serve.

He began helping in the kitchen, at the Men’s Center front desk and wherever he was needed. Aaron graduated from the program after seven months of sobriety and began a temporary position sorting inventory at the

Timberlake Outreach Center. Because you gave, Aaron encountered people who saw his God-given worth and walked with him toward freedom, purpose and renewed hope.

BECAUSE YOU GAVE TO OPEN DOOR MISSION:

  • The new Hospitality Center is open, creating more room for meals, worship, volunteering, special events, and compassionate care. The 17,075-square-foot facility includes a new dining room, kitchen, chapel, volunteer hub and greenspace.
  • Construction is transforming space in the Garland Thompson Men’s Center into the new New Life Recovery Center, a safe, therapeutic environment dedicated to recovery and lasting change.
  • In 2026, Open Door Mission has already celebrated 40 graduates from life-changing programs, each representing courage, perseverance and transformation.
  • Three acres have been purchased in Elkhorn for the future 42,000-square-foot Elkhorn Solutions Center. This new center will expand opportunities for volunteers to serve and empower more individuals, seniors, and families to remain in their own homes.

Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty by meeting the needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change. Demand is already increasing in 2026. Year to date, shelter nights are up 9%, meals are up nearly 22%, and homelessness prevention services are up more than 26% over the same period last year.

“Behind every life changed is a community that chose to care. We are deeply grateful for the partners, volunteers and donors who make hope possible every day.” – Dr. Candace L. Gregory, President/CEO of Open Door Mission.