Who We Are

The Open Door and Next Door Shelters serve homeless young adults, ages 17 to 35.  These individuals must be willing to address issues in their lives that contribute to their homeless condition, like drug & alcohol abuse and unemployment.  Shelter, food, and personal assistance are provided to them, while they work toward financial stability and  independence. The Open Door is our home for men, and the Next Door is our home for women.

We are Christian communities of hospitality. We hear Jesus' call to welcome the homeless and socially disadvantaged into our homes and lives. Our response is to offer shelter for the body and community to nurture and empower the spirit. We want to be a home for God, whose presence and voice lie hidden in the ordinary tasks, encounters, and events that fill our days.

We lie in the heart of Kalamazoo, Michigan.  We have been in operation for over 30 years, opening our doors in 1970.  From its inception until 2000, we were known as the Kalamazoo Youth Ministry.  In 2000 we renamed ourselves to more closely relate to our ministry.  We are classified as a non-profit agency 501(c)(3).