By: Michelle Maneage, program director, Doors of Hope Geauga
In both urban and rural areas across the United States, it is the unfortunate truth that thousands of families with children will have no safe place to sleep tonight. Despite the weather, some will face decisions on whether to sleep in their cars, tents, barns, or other places that are considered uninhabitable. While many think homelessness is an urban problem, the National Alliance to End Homelessness identifies that America’s small towns and communities, much like ours, are not immune to homelessness. Those experiencing homelessness in rural areas are often referred to by advocates and researchers as the “hidden homeless”. Thankfully, when Doors of Hope Geauga (DOHG) opened its doors in August of 2022, it brought the hope needed to empower these families toward achieving stable, independent living once again.
The DOHG story began in a book study discussion group led by Sr. Susan Javorek, one of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Two of its group members, Renee Castrigano and Pamela Reisinger, discovered their shared passion for helping families struggling with poverty and homelessness, as well as their desire to be a voice in their community that advocates for them. Renee and Pam found a mentor in Sr. Susan, who has dedicated her life to fulfilling the mission of SND to proclaim God’s goodness and compassionate love for people of all faiths and cultures through a variety of ministries, particularly serving those who are poor and marginalized. “I saw a need, as did Pam and Renee, and we were excited to move forward”, she says. All three women brought a unique set of skills to the table. Pam’s intimate knowledge of the needs of families was fostered through her 20-year career as a preschool Program Director in Geauga County. Renee, a certified public accountant, brought the keen knowledge of economics and finance that was instrumental in developing a business plan. Together, they formed Doors of Hope Geauga, an organization that provides shelter and supportive services to the families of Geauga County that are experiencing homelessness.
The ladies were diligent in learning the county’s resources and quickly made connections with the social service agencies to gain a more robust understanding on how they can turn their hopes and dreams to reality and begin serving families in need of services with passion and dignity. Our organization understands that each family’s circumstances are different and unique to them, and our case manager works in collaboration with the families to perform assessments and tailor a specific plan that serves as a roadmap out of homelessness and into independence. Being homeless, no matter how long it lasts, is a life altering traumatic event that creates major stress in any person’s life regardless of age. This is why we also work in partnership with other Geauga County organizations and social service agencies that allow our families to engage in services that will improve their health and well-being through mental health services and enrichment opportunities.
From the start, the residents of Geauga County have wrapped their arms around our organization in full support of our mission. Fundraisers, generous individuals, and organizations such as United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and the Geauga County Hunger Task Force, keep our mission alive. Each donation contributes to the success of our programs and to the lives of the families we serve. If you would like to help support our mission, please visit us at www.dohgeauga.org.
