History of the Open Door
The Open Door is a transitional safe house for addicted men in recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction established in Toledo, Ohio in January of 1984 as a response to a critical need in the community.
In December of 1983 a number of homeless people, living on the streets of Toledo, froze to death, literally. It became essential to all concerned that a non-threatening environment be provided to care for the needs of the diverse population then currently living in the streets. The programs evolving from these humble beginnings have seen the establishment of facilities for both men, women and affected families of the greater Toledo, Ohio area. The Open Door is one such success for adult men.
The Open Door's first residents moved in on March 1, 1984. The original property was donated by the Toledo Catholic Diocese and is currently known as the middle property located at 2825 Cherry Street in Toledo, Ohio. The generosity of many other local organizations assisted with initial gifts of furnishings, plus furniture and fixtures. The initial administrative services were provided by volunteers from other agencies and concerned family members.
The Open Door Ministry, Inc. was established in 1986, received their 501C (3), tax exempt status, in August of 1988 and currently remains the only organization of its kind in the NW Ohio/SE Michigan area. The Open Door currently has three contiguous properties that house over 37 men in transitional housing. Qualified residents may stay up to 24 months. The average resident stays approximately 16 to 18 months prior to returning to their life as a productive member of society.
The personal success's of residents of The Open Door has become legend within the local rehabilitation industry. There have been hundreds and hundreds of individual success stories to numerous to mention here, next to the individuals themselves, the Toledo area has been the major recipient of these successes.
The primary goal of The Open Door is to provide a calm, supportive, therapeutic environment in which men afflicted with alcoholism and/or drug addiction may be empowered with consistently proven strategies in dealing with the problems they face as they seek to re-establish themselves as self-supporting, productive members of society. This goal is sought one day at a time.