Doors of Hope Geauga Cares for Homeless Families

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Our Core Values

• Welcome Community

• Expect Accountability

• Serve with Integrity

County, OH, by providing shelter and supportive services, thereby empowering families toward healthy, independent living. Doors of Hope Geauga works in partnership with each family to understand their individual journey and develop a roadmap out of homelessness into independence. Critical to this effort is an assessment of each family to identify services needed, including the review of benefits. Doors of Hope helps with housing searches, employment, and/or education. They also promote educational enrichment for children and connections with community partners.

• Faithful Stewardship

• Leave with Dignity

“We believe shelter is a basic need of every human being, and good housing conditions are essential, not only for one’s physical well-being, but for one’s mental health as well. To that end, the shelter is secure, clean, and provides space for families to grow in all aspects of family life,” says Pam, Founder and President, Board of Directors.

“We are still pinching ourselves,” concurs Sister Susan, Founder and Board of Directors Secretary, with a broad smile. “Needs led to answers, and problems led to solutions. We had a vision, but God made it a reality.”

“Families of any composition are eligible, but they must include a child under the age of 18,” says Renee, Founder and Board of Directors Treasurer. “Self-referrals are welcome as well as referrals from schools, churches, social service providers, childcare centers and United Way.” Renee says the house is now a home, and families may stay up to one year. “Since each family is unique, services are tailored to the specific needs of each one. To help facilitate the services, Program Director Michelle Maneage is on site,” she adds.

“Generous private donations and significant funding by United Way of Geauga County have allowed Doors of Hope to become a reality,” credits Sister Susan.

Nine months after the three founders first brainstormed, a spacious home was purchased; labor, supplies, and furnishings came in; and a beautiful, clean, safe home was established, complete with individual family bedrooms and bathrooms, a light-filled kitchen with new appliances, a spacious dining room for community meals, a cozy reading nook for children, and two living rooms to foster friendly conversations. Desks, computer terminals, and office space accommodate job searches and children’s homework. Outdoors are flower gardens, plenty of room for a vegetable garden, playground equipment and acres of scenic, bucolic spaces.

To learn more about how to support Doors of Hope, please email dohgeauga.org.