Moravian House: An Open Door for Those in Need

A traditional pointed Moravian star hangs in the entrance to Moravian Open Door, followed by a narrow and dimly lit corridor that leads to a small front desk. After passing through this dim entrance, stairs lead to a basement where a kitchen and common room are located. These rooms serve as bright areas in a building that at first seems dull. “We're not trying to save the world,” said Executive Director Darryl Williams while sitting at a table in the common room, “but we're trying to help one person at a time.”

Client Arthur Burke and Executive Director Darryl Williams

The Moravian Open Door, opened in 1986, is a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing and services to  homeless, distressed, and underserved individuals 50 years and older. The organization believes that within the general homeless population, older adults are most at risk for neglect and violence.

Moravian Open Door is a transitional home (called Moravian House), and is not a temporary shelter. The building holds only 41 beds for homeless adults who are often just one step away from living independently. Eligibility rests only upon being 50 years or older, although clients also have to pay a small stipend each month to keep their room.

Williams has been director of the organization for ten years, many of which have not been easy. "We struggled," said Williams, also discussing the staff members that work at Moravian House. In addition to Williams, only a case worker and program coordinator work to run the programs for residents and oversee the building and services that are provided. 

"Volunteers are always welcome," said case worker Desiree Barrett. Barrett has been working at Moravian House for five years and has overseen 13 clients. "Of course I've had many meaningful experiences during my time here," she said with increased interest. Barrett specifically spoke of one client who spent 22 years at the shelter and finally left to live independently. "I was really happy for her," Barrett said. 

A current client at Moravian House, Arthur Burke, did not feel comfortable going into details about why he lives at the shelter, but spoke highly of the program coordinator. "Michael is a wonderful care taker," said Burke.

Burke also made a positive note of the recently implemented breakfast program. New equipment for the shelter's kitchen that was recently donated by the Moravian Church has made a breakfast program possible.

"I'm glad you like it, Mr. Burke, because I've been fighting for this program for years!" said Williams. With the new equipment, food can be prepared in the mornings for clients. Although breakfast is currently the only meal provided, Williams is hopeful for a dinner program in the future.  

Moravian Open Door is established under the Eastern District of the Moravian Church in American and is the only urban social ministry of the Northern Province of the Church. Because of this affiliation, the organization does not get funding through the state or government and relies heavily on donations. This makes it difficult to begin and implement programs and changes.

Williams said that although he is the executive director of Moravian House, he does not have a high salary. This makes no difference to him, however. “It gives me meaning to help people who others might not even acknowledge as, well, human beings,” Williams said. 

Moravian Open Door will be celebrating a 25^th anniversary in September. Visit www.moravianhouse.org to learn more about the organization and how to get involved.