A Case Study

Open House Ministries (OHM) was founded in 1986 by Bob and Joanne Kendall and a small group of caring citizens who wanted to see the community respond to homelessness and hunger in a way that could change lives, meaning that families were not only sheltered and fed, but also equipped with life skills and foundational tools to help them regain their independence.

Following a successful capital campaign in 1996, Open House Ministries moved into its current shelter with a permitted capacity to serve 36 families.  While the need to serve that many families has only grown over time – especially during the current economic downturn – the practical reality has been that the Ministries’ unique model of service and transitional support to sheltered families required additional space for staff and volunteers. 

OHM envisions a community where God’s love and grace has restored lives and ended homelessness.

In 2018, the “Open House Campaign” funded and built a $3.3M three-story, 15,588 square foot family resource center adjacent to its shelter and thrift store. 28% of resources provided by the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Foundation, 69% was from foundation support, 2% from board members, 2% from in-kind, 11% was from leadership support and community campaign. 

The Tod and Maxine McClaskey Family Resource Center provides a mix of classrooms, offices, conference rooms and a gymnasium, along with satellite offices for community partners who work alongside them in their mission.

OHM hired WAI