The Open Door Shelter Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
OPEN DOOR SHELTER, INC. STRIVES TO MAKE A DIRECT IMPACT IN THE GREATER NORWALK AREA BY GUIDING EVERY PERSON IN THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS TOWARDS HOUSING STABILITY. WE WILL ACCOMPLISH THIS BY ENGAGING EVERY PERSON AT RISK OF, AND EXPERIENCING, HOMELESSNESS WITH A HOLISTIC SET OF TOOLS AND RESOURCES THAT CAN BE TAILORED TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. THE TOOLS AND RESOURCES PROVIDED WILL BE DIRECTLY MANAGED BY OPEN DOORS AND THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS.
- Income
- $7.8 million
- Spending
- $6.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- 13.5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 61%
- Employees
- 58
- Volunteers
- 625
- Highest pay
- $241,330, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 91% of charities in its peer group (housing, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 13.5 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 9% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 19% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 27% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 8 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 70% of charities in its peer group (housing, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2521 of 21 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $2.1 million spent. SHELTERING:OPEN DOORS' SHELTERING PROGRAM PROVIDES EMERGENCY SHELTER AND CASE MANAGEMENT TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS RAPIDLY RETURN TO PERMANENT HOUSING. IN FY25, OUR SHELTER SERVED 155 INDIVIDUALS, SUCCESSFULLY HOUSING 76. THROUGH OUR STREET OUTREACH PROGRAM, WE SERVED AN ADDITIONAL 64 INDIVIDUALS, HELPING 31 INDIVIDUALS TRANSITION OFF THE STREETS AND INTO HOUSING.TO FURTHER SUPPORT CLIENT SUCCESS, OPEN DOORS OPERATES THE SOCIAL, A FIVE-DAY-A-WEEK HOUSING READINESS PROGRAM OFFERING WORKSHOPS AND PEER SUPPORT TO IMPROVE TENANTS' SKILLS, COPING ABILITIES, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. THIS PROGRAM IS OPEN TO THOSE CURRENTLY OR FORMERLY EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.WE ALSO PROVIDE ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL WRAPAROUND SERVICES THROUGH OUR ONSITE PARTNERS, INCLUDING NORWALK COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER'S MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IS OFFERED VIA OUR COMMUNITY CLOSET, WHICH DISTRIBUTED 43,280 ITEMS OF CLOTHING AND HOUSEHOLD GOODS TO 1,812 INDIVIDUALS, AND OUR ON-SITE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM, WHICH SERVED 21 CHILDREN WITH HOMEWORK SUPPORT, CRAFTS, AND ENRICHMENT.CLIENTS ALSO BENEFIT FROM ACCESS TO EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCIAL SERVICES THROUGH OUR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY HUB.
- $1.3 million spent. NUTRITION:MANNA HOUSE & FOOD PANTRYOUR FEEDING PROGRAMS ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY THROUGH TWO PRIMARY SERVICES:MANNA HOUSE SERVES TWO HOT MEALS DAILY BREAKFAST AND DINNER TO SHELTER RESIDENTS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING TENANTS, AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY. IN FY25, WE SERVED 105,237 MEALS, A 13.6% INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR. OF THESE, 74,679 MEALS WERE DISTRIBUTED DIRECTLY TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS OUTSIDE OF THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS; 30% WERE DONATED BY MEAL GROUPS, WHILE 70% WERE PREPARED IN-HOUSE.THE PANTRY OPERATES FIVE DAYS A WEEK, OFFERING A WIDE VARIETY OF GROCERIES INCLUDING FRESH PRODUCE, DAIRY, MEATS, AND PANTRY STAPLES. INDIVIDUALS MAY SHOP BI-WEEKLY BY APPOINTMENT. IN FY25, THE PANTRY SERVED 918 INDIVIDUALS, DISTRIBUTING 7,606 GROCERY BAGS, TOTALING OVER 152,000 POUNDS OF FOOD. HOLIDAY BASKETS WERE PROVIDED TO AN AVERAGE OF 185 FAMILIES PER HOLIDAY (THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS, EASTER), EACH RECEIVING THE INGREDIENTS FOR A COMPLETE HOLIDAY MEAL.THESE PROGRAMS ARE SUPPORTED BY EXTENSIVE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, INCLUDING FOOD DRIVES, DONOR GROUPS, LOCAL SUPERMARKETS, AND BUSINESSES LIKE PANERA AND CHICK-FIL-A.
- $1.2 million spent. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY HUB (EOH):THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY HUB EMPOWERS GREATER NORWALK RESIDENTS WITH LOW INCOMESPARTICULARLY THOSE EXPERIENCING HOUSING INSTABILITYBY PROVIDING ACCESS TO BENEFITS, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND LONG-TERM FINANCIAL COACHING.IN FY25, THE HUB CONNECTED 262 COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO PUBLIC BENEFITS (E.G., SNAP, HEALTHCARE, ENERGY ASSISTANCE), SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT THROUGH SOFT SKILLS TRAINING AND JOB PLACEMENT, AND PROVIDED ONE-ON-ONE FINANCIAL COACHING FOCUSED ON BUDGETING, DEBT REDUCTION, SAVINGS, AND CREDIT IMPROVEMENT.KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS INCLUDE:- EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING: A CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA) TRAINING PROGRAM WITH WAVENY LIFE NETWORK AND CAREER RESOURCES, INC THAT TRAINED AND EMPLOYED 69 INDIVIDUALS, AND AN ADDITIONAL 66 WERE CONNECTED TO EMPLOYMENT IN THE COMMUNITY.- ADULT EDUCATION: ESL CLASSES (TWICE DAILY, FOUR DAYS A WEEK) AND GED PREP THROUGH STAMFORD ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION THAT SERVED 232 COMMUNITY MEMBERS.- DIGITAL ACCESS: FREE VIRTUAL COMPUTER LITERACY COURSES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAREER RESOURCES.- FINANCIAL LITERACY: WORKSHOPS IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL BANKS, ONE ON ONE COACHING, AND 18 GRADUATES OF THE SAVINGS MATCH PROGRAM, CREATING HOUSEHOLD CRISIS RESPONSE FUNDS. - INCOME BENEFITS/COMMUNITY RESOURCES ACCESS: 137 COMMUNITY MEMBERS WERE ASSESSED FOR ELIGIBILITY AND ASSISTED WITH APPLYING FOR BENEFITS OR ACCESSING COMMUNITY RESOURCES SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION, MEDICA/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND CHILD CARE.THESE INTEGRATED SERVICES HELP HOUSEHOLDS STABILIZE, GROW THEIR INCOMES, AND ACHIEVE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL RESILIENCE.
- $845,715 spent. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY HUB:THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY HUB (EOH) SERVICES GREATER NORWALK RESIDENTS THAT ARE AT 40% OR BELOW AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) AND ARE EXPERIENCING A HOUSING COST BURDEN, PAYING 30% OR MORE OF INCOME TOWARDS HOUSING COST, ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, OR ARE DOUBLED UP. THE EOH HAS THREE COMPONENTS: 1. ACCESS TO INCOME BENEFITS (SNAP, MEDICAL INSURANCE, ENERGY ASSISTANCE, ETC.), 2. EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT AND COACHING AND ACCESS TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS, AND 3. LONG-TERM FINANCIAL COACHING. THE FUNDING RECEIVED SUPPORTS THE ROLE OF EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST, TASKED WITH ASSISTING PROGRAM ENROLLEES WITH SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT THROUGH SOFT SKILLS TRAINING, JOB PLACEMENT, AND RETENTION INTO LIVABLE WAGE JOBS.THIS PROJECT SUPPORTS LOW-INCOME EARNERS IN THE CITY OF NORWALK. MANY NORWALK RESIDENTS SUFFERED THE LOSS OF EMPLOYMENT AND/OR A REDUCTION IN HOUSEHOLD INCOME DURING THE PANDEMIC. AS A RESULT, INFLATION AND INCREASED LIVING COSTS DESTABILIZED NORWALK HOUSEHOLDS. IMPACTED FAMILIES MOVED TO MORE AFFORDABLE LIVING AREAS. THE EOH ASSISTS THESE RESIDENTS WITH FIRST INCOME BENEFITS TO STABILIZE THE HOUSEHOLD, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES TO INCREASE INCOME AND LONG-TERM FINANCIAL COACHING TO CREATE HOUSEHOLD BUDGETS, INCREASE SAVINGS, DECREASE DEBT, AND INCREASE CREDIT SCORES.OPEN DOORS CREATES SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS WITH BEST-IN-CLASS, THIRD PARTY PROVIDERS TO DELIVER CLIENT SERVICES BEYOND THE SCOPE OF OUR EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES. THESE PARTNERSHIPS ENHANCE OUR BCO PROGRAMS BY ENSURING CLIENTS RECEIVE COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES THAT HELP IMPROVE THEIR FINANCIAL STABILITY AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT. THE FOLLOWING PARTNERSHIPS ARE EXAMPLES IN WAYS THAT OPEN DOORS ENRICHES BOTH FINANCIAL LITERACIES, AS WELL AS CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT ADVANCEMENT: FINANCIAL LITERACY: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BANKS, OPEN DOORS OFFERS CLIENTS FINANCIAL LITERACY VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS ON TOPICS SUCH AS: UNDERSTANDING YOUR PAYCHECK, OPENING A CHECKING OR SAVINGS ACCOUNT, BUDGETING, BANKING AND INVESTING, AND CREDIT AND DEBT. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OPEN DOORS PROVIDES CLIENTS WITH IMMIGRATION INFORMATION SESSIONS, REFERS CLIENTS WHO ARE WORKING ONE-ON-ONE WITH OUR FINANCIAL LITERACY COACH TO CC'S FAMILY LOAN PROGRAM TO ACCESS LOANS OF UP TO $10,000 AT ONLY A 5.5% INTEREST RATE. EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS: OPEN DOORS PARTNERS WITH CAREER RESOURCES AND WAVENY LIFE NETWORK TO OPERATE A CERTIFIED NURSE'S ASSISTANT (CAN) CERTIFICATION PROGRAM WITH IMMEDIATE EMPLOYMENT AT WAVENY LIFE NETWORK. OPEN DOORS CONTINUES TO PLAN AND HOST POP UP WORKFORCE AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS. THIS EDUCATES CLIENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS ABOUT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES, TRAINING, AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. EVENT PARTNERS INCLUDE CAREER RESOURCES, INC., CAREER CONNECT, AND NORWALK COMMUNITY COLLEGE. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH STAMFORD ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION, OPEN DOORS OFFERS TWO ESL CLASSES A DAY, FOUR DAYS A WEEK IN OUR SMILOW LIFE CENTER AND A GED PREP COURSE TWO TIMES A WEEK. OPEN DOORS PARTNERS WITH CAREER RESOURCES TO OFFER FREE COMPUTER LEARNING COURSES VIRTUALLY. OPEN DOORS HELPS ENSURE CLIENTS HAVE ACCESS TO RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NORWALK TRANSIT DISTRICT AND TAPPING THEIR EXISTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.STATS:IN FY24 (7/1/24-6/30/24), 404 CLIENTS RESIDING IN THE GREATER NORWALK AREA UTILIZED EOH SERVICES. 282 CLIENTS WERE PLACED IN JOBS, 174 RETAINED EMPLOYMENTS BEYOND 180 DAYS, AND 315 INCREASED THEIR MONTHLY INCOME.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since December 1984.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
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