OPEN DOOR MISSION
Open Door Mission in Houston, Texas is an independent faith-based non-profit organization and has no affiliation with similarly named Open Door Missions in the United States. They are an evidence-based recovery and rehabilitation program and facility dedicated to transforming the lives of the most severely addicted, destitute, homeless and disabled men in the Houston community.
CONTACT INFO
5803 Harrisburg Blvd. Houston, TX 77011
Phone: (713) 921-7520
Fax: (713) 921- 4206
Email: info@opendoorhouston.org
Mission Statement
Open Door Mission is a faith and evidence-based recovery and rehabilitation program and facility dedicated to transforming the lives of the most severely addicted, destitute, homeless and disabled men in our community.
*“ I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door and no one can shut it: for you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” ~ Rev 3:8*
Open Door Mission Respite and Recuperative Care Center
Open Door Mission’s Respite and Recuperative Care Center can house up to 28 homeless men who have been released from Ben Taub and LBJ hospitals who need extended convalescence following illnesses, surgery or accidents and who have nowhere to go except back to the streets of Houston. The ultimate objective for the homeless men in the RRCC is to achieve a quality of life conducive to independent living and be restored to physical health suitable to enter the workforce and to obtain permanent supportive housing. Of equal importance is for the RRCC to fill the gap of reducing or eliminating the need for multiple readmissions to hospitals and recurring visits to the hospital emergency departments.
The HHRC assists the clients with:
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Connection to and scheduling of visits to their primary care physician, health testing, dental, vision and any mental health referrals.
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Applying for disability and permanent supportive housing and employment.
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Attainment of food stamps and legal assistance.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the opportunities found in the Center for Education & Career Guidance services offered at the Mission. Computers are available to them for their personal use.
Harris County Healthcare for the Homeless operates an onsite open access clinic at the Mission to provide medical services to the men in our care and to the local homeless community. The clinic enables our residents to have medical services readily available to them and reduce the number of offsite trips that are made for them to meet their medical appointments.
Men in our care can stay in the RRCC for periods from a few days up to several months until such time as when a doctor provides release orders. RRCC residents may also apply for admission into the DoorWay Recovery Program. (See Eligibility Requirements)
Harris Health System at Open Door Mission
In August 2015, Harris Health System Homeless Health Services Program opened an onsite open access clinic at the Mission to provide medical services to the men in our care and to the local homeless community. The clinic enables our residents to have medical services readily available to them and reduces the number of offsite trips to local hospitals and emergency rooms.
This program reduces or eliminates barriers to health care experienced by homeless individuals, enables healthcare problems to be detected and treated early, decreases emergency center use for primary care needs, increases immunization rates of homeless children, increases tuberculin screening and follow-up, and increases health promotion and prevention education among the homeless in our community.
The clinic is supported by a nurse practitioner, medical assistant, and an eligibility clerk 4.5 days per week. A psychiatrist and behavioral health therapist meet with clients one day per week, also provided by the Harris Health System.
To contact the Harris Health Clinic at Open Door Mission, please call 713-497-0961.
Open Door Mission Annual Awards and Honors
THE OPEN DOOR MISSION’S MICHAEL E. DEBAKEY M.D. HUMANITARIAN AWARD — This award was created by the Open Door Mission Executive Committee in 2006 to recognize a person or organization that has made a great humanitarian contribution. The Open Door Mission Humanitarian Award is named for Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, the world’s most renowned heart surgeon. Dr. DeBakey was also known as an innovator, researcher, and educator.
Past DeBakey Award Recipients
2021 – Marriott Marquis – Scot Cotton 2020 – Second Servings – Barbara Bronstein 2019 – Cancelled due to Topical Storm Irma 2018 – ALAN STEWART – CULLEN FOUNDATION 2017 – THE HAMILL FOUNDATION 2016 – THE HOUSTON FOOD BANK 2015 – DR. C. STRATTON HILL, JR. 2014 – RICHARD B. WILKENS, III 2012 – MRS. SUSAN BAKER 2011 – MRS. ANN CRAFT 2010 – MS. MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS 2009 – DR. GEORGE P. NOON 2007 – AMBASSADOR ROY M. HUFFINGTON
THE BOB AND EMILIA FINNEGAN FOUNDERS AWARD — This award is given in recognition of the Open Door Mission Founders, Brother Bob and Sister Emilia Finnegan for exemplary service to the Open Door Mission. It was created in 1981.
Past Finnegan Award Recipients
2021 – John & Bridgette Goss 2020 – Mary Alford 2019 – Barbara Wilson 2018 – Pete Coneway and William Miller – Goldman Sachs 2017 – Richard Ebling 2016 – John Gillette 2014 – Tonica Allen 2009 – Dr. C. Stratton Hill, Jr. Bob Boudreaux Bob Beamon Ann Craft Alan Craft