BY KYLE MARIE McMAHON
The United States Census Bureau estimated nearly 91,000 Wake County residents lived at or below the poverty line in 2022. An even larger number is thought to be living paycheck-to-paycheck, unable to build up savings. Even those who feel secure in their income could find themselves unable to pay their bills due to an unexpected emergency such as job loss or illness. A Doorway to Hope (ADTH) seeks to help those in “working poverty” get back to a point of self-sufficiency and stability. Maria Young, founder and executive director, saw a need for such a program in our community. “I wanted to bridge the gap and bring together those who need assistance and those who want to help,” she says.
ADTH works to prevent homelessness in all of Wake County through a variety of programs. Their crisis ministry provides not only food, clothing and household furnishings, but also offers one-time financial assistance in paying for rent, utilities and childcare while working with other institutions to meet each family’s immediate needs.
As a member of Wake County’s Western Wake Hunger Coalition, ADTH provides boxes of fresh produce four times a month to struggling families. Many children go without nutritious food during the summer months due to the lack of school lunches, so ADTH provides hot meals four times a week from June to August to families that qualify. Essentials baskets, which include hygiene supplies like soap and detergent, are handed out to families in need throughout the year, and ADTH’s Angel Tree Project provides grocery store gift cards for holiday meals as well as presents for children.
This nonprofit has served thousands of Wake County residents and families. If you want to help, know that 100% of your donation goes to those in need. Donations are not the only way to assist the organization; you can volunteer for any one of their programs or refer a family you think may be struggling. For more information, visit adoorwaytohope.org.
Check out stories from around the Western Wake at 5westmag.com.
