Program Spotlight - Own Home

The DOORWAYS Own Home Program prevents homelessness by offering temporary financial assistance to clients living in their own accommodations to gain or maintain their housing. We serve Missouri and Illinois. In fiscal year 2022 (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022), Own Home distributed $3.7 million in assistance to more than 1,400 households with over 2,000 people—20% of whom were under the age of 18.

The majority of the funding (65%) is applied towards rental assistance to prevent evictions. Another 28% pays utilities (gas, electric, water, trash, and sewer bills). The remaining 7% provides funding for arrears rent, housing deposits, and, for the few who own their own homes, mortgage support.

These vital temporary, short-term subsidy payments are processed by a very small staff under the leadership of long-time DOORWAYS employee, Brenda Malone. As Director of Own Home, she and her team completed more than 3,000 transactions to process that $3.7 million. Each payment involves hours of work, from speaking with clients in order to understand their needs to guiding clients through paperwork collection and submission, contacting the companies/landlords to arrange payment on behalf of the client, plus submitting an internal payment request to prompt the printing and mailing of the check. Behind the scenes, the check requests are produced by the DOORWAYS Finance team.

“It is a very involved yet rewarding process,” noted Malone. “Clients come to us in desperation and fear. We are so grateful to have the funding to help them avoid eviction or termination of utility services. Our staff work relentlessly every day to process as many requests as possible.” Pat Plumley, the Chief Program Officer, added “The Own Home team are incredibly competent but, also, compassionate, treating all clients with respect.”

One of the team, William Brickhouse, shared his thoughts: “I believe that the work we provide is life changing and life-saving for people on the brink of homelessness or struggling on the cusp of self-sufficiency. This service is a tremendous relief to someone who feels there is no hope left.” Each of the Housing Specialists appreciate the thanks clients express to them. “I get to leave work every day with a smile on my face knowing I was able to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Brickhouse.

The goal is to help clients over a financial hump, so the Own Home staff also provide budgeting support to guide the client toward future stability. “We may work with a client for a year, but their requests become farther and farther apart as they are able to more successfully manage their budget,” noted Housing Specialist Elaine Huck. “That’s when we know we have really made a difference in stabilizing a home.”

Clients can receive up to three months of rent assistance or five months of utility assistance, not exceeding $1,500. Upon being contacted by a client, the Housing Specialists call them within 24 hours. During the first call, they verify that the client is experiencing a temporary life-altering event that impacts their financial security: a job loss, a reduction in work hours due to having a baby, a roommate moved out, a death in the family, etc… Other eligibility requirements include participation in the Ryan White HIV Program and maximum income limits; however, more than half of the clients seeking help report zero income.

World AIDS Day - December 1 - "Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV"

Each year on December 1st, we commemorate World AIDS Day. This important awareness day remains a time to reflect on our worldwide response to HIV/AIDS while honoring the lives of those lost to AIDS-related illnesses. On this day, we also renew our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of those with HIV, as well as those at risk for infection.

The U.S. Government (USG) theme for World AIDS Day 2022— "Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV" — emphasizes accountability and action, affirming the dedication to ending HIV, both in the United States and around the globe, through an approach that centers on communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic. This year, we observe World AIDS Day in the context of two other infectious disease threats—COVID-19 and monkey pox—which have heavily impacted many of those same communities.

The theme also highlights the importance of HIV testing. “Everyone should get tested for HIV and know their status. We are advancing a status-neutral approach to HIV testing that puts equity at the forefront. Under this approach, no matter what the outcome of the test, people should be connected with the necessary HIV prevention and treatment services, including strategies to address social determinants of health and barriers to access,” said Kaye Hayes, HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Infectious Disease and the Director of the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy.

For more information visit HIV.gov

Peppermint Andy - Clementine's

'Tis the season. Peppermint Andy is back again--a delicious blend of Clementine's dairy base, crushed New York's King Leo Peppermint candies, decadent dark chocolate curls and a hint of vanilla. Thanks to our partnership with Clementine's Naughty & Nice Creamery again this year, 50% of sales of Peppermint Andy will be donated back to DOORWAYS. Get yours at one of their six St. Louis area locations or you can order online.

We Appreciate our Grantors and Funders - Sigmond & Marie P. Baer Charitable Trust

Thank you to the many philanthropic organizations that support our life-saving mission and programs that help stabilize clients and create a foundation for achieving a self-directed life!

Thank you to the Grants Committee of the Sigmond & Marie P. Baer Charitable Trust for selecting DOORWAYS for a 2022-2023 grant, administered by U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management. This support is critical as we work to improve quality of life and health outcomes for individuals. This in turn contributes to ending HIV, as an undetectable HIV viral load means an untransmittable virus!