Program Spotlight: Finding Hope Through DOORWAYS - Durrell's Story

In 1984, four years before DOORWAYS was founded, Durell received his HIV diagnosis. “It’s been a 40-year battle, but I finally feel I have the upper hand,” he reflects. “DOORWAYS has been part of my survival.”

After returning from teaching in Tokyo in 1988, Durell began participating in AIDS research studies at Washington University. The early drug trials came with devastating side effects that weakened his immune system and left him vulnerable to life-threatening infections. His health declined so severely that he was admitted to hospice. But in that quiet space, Durell found his will to live again.

Despite being abandoned by family and unable to work, he persevered. Newer medications brought viral suppression and restored his health. He built a small but meaningful life for himself and his cats. Yet challenges continued. Years of harsh medication effects led to spinal stenosis, three back surgeries, and long hospital stays. When he finally returned home in 2025, he was devastated to learn he had been evicted, his belongings gone, and nowhere to turn.

That’s when DOORWAYS stepped in. Through the Emergency Housing Program, Durell was placed in a hotel while Care Coordinators searched for long-term solutions. “Ms. Jones worked her magic,” he shares. When an eviction record blocked his housing application, the Own Home Subsidies Program helped cover deposits and rent, preventing homelessness.

Today, Durell is thriving in his new apartment. “I’m so grateful for DOORWAYS. They gave me a safety net at my lowest moment, when I was ready to finally give up,” he says, his voice breaking. “Sometimes the way you are helped is far more important than the help itself.”

With stable housing, food security, and ongoing healthcare, Durell is looking forward with confidence. “My health is good. My counts are great. And if I have any problems, I know DOORWAYS will be there when I need them.”

Volunteer "Night of Gratitude" Event

On Wednesday, October 1, the DOORWAYS Volunteer Program hosted its first formal Volunteer Appreciation event in several years, "A Night of Gratitude", in the Community Room at the Jefferson Avenue Campus. This soon-to-be DOORWAYS tradition provided a meaningful opportunity to honor and thank the individuals, corporate partners, and student groups who have made an incredible difference in our organization and on our program participants.

The evening celebrated four outstanding honorees:

• Tutor of the Year: Kylie Brady — for her dedication to tutoring children at Mama/Kaya and helping with activities like Summer Camp and the Residential Holiday Party.
• Volunteer Impact Award: Nicholas Burton — for his ongoing volunteer service with the children at Mama/Kaya, the RED Gala, and with the Jefferson Avenue Campus Data Team.
• Student Organization Award: Hopeful Horizons (Saint Louis University) — for creating an ongoing calendar of activities and personalized gift bags for children at Mama/Kaya.
• Corporate Impact Award: Wells Fargo — for more than a decade of volunteer support, from festive holiday events to helping with Mama/Kaya Summer Camp.

Residential Program Director, Corlima Colquitt, presented the individual and group awards, President & CEO, Opal M. Jones, presented the Corporate Impact Award, while Board Member and Friends In Deed Leader Colin Keller shared reflections on volunteerism and community involvement.

The evening was filled with connection, reflection, and gratitude. This year, 145 volunteers and 11 volunteer groups gave their time and talents to support our programs across multiple campuses. Their commitment and compassion continue to make DOORWAYS stronger, our volunteers truly are the heartbeat of our mission.

BYOBoo Trivia Night Hosted By Friends In Deed

DOORWAYS held its annual ByoBOO Trivia Night on Saturday, October 18, at the Glaziers Union Hall. A full house of trivia enthusiasts and DOORWAYS supporters enjoyed eight exciting rounds of trivia, plus a few fun extras, including Dead or Alive and Heads or Tails!

Our longtime emcee and Friends In Deed member Tim Bono returned for his eighth year as Master of Ceremonies, once again writing the trivia game and adding his trademark creative twists to keep players guessing.

A huge thank-you to our BOO! Sponsors: Michael Brave, Commerce Bank, and Crescent Parts, for making the evening possible. We’re also grateful to our Round Sponsors: Colin Keller, First Mid Bank & Trust, Ian Mackey (State Representative, District 99), Metropolitan Community Church, Nexus Primary Care, RapidFire - Safety & Security, and Neil Sturomski for their generous support and presence at the event.

Guests enjoyed a 50/50 raffle, a pick-a-prize raffle, a wine pull, and several mini-games, all helping raise funds to support people affected by HIV and homelessness in our community.

We were thrilled to have volunteers from The Fourth City Sisters, who brought great energy while selling raffle tickets, and a fantastic crew from Bank of America serving as the judging panel. A shout-out as well to our amazing DOORWAYS staff who provided hospitality and handed out complimentary beer from our friends at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, donated, volunteered, and cheered on the fun. We can’t wait to see what Friends In Deed dreams up for next year’s spooktacular event! 

To learn more about Friends In Deed, contact Jim Timmerberg at 314-328-2705 or jtimmerberg@doorwayshousing.org.

Tower Grove Pride

DOORWAYS was proud to host a booth at the Tower Grove Pride Festival, held the last weekend of September. The event brought together countless friends, both familiar faces and new supporters, who stopped by our tent to say hello and learn more about our work.

It was a fantastic weekend filled with connection, conversation, and community spirit. We loved sharing our mission and hearing from so many people who value and support the programs DOORWAYS provides. Events like this remind us how strong and vibrant our community truly is, and how every conversation opens another door.

Volunteer Corner

This month, and every month, we celebrate the incredible dedication and care of the many volunteers who generously give their time on our campuses, supporting our staff and program participants week after week or month after month.

At DOORWAYS, we’re especially grateful for the many hands and hearts that support our mission—whether it's individual volunteers, group and corporate teams, pantry helpers, event crews, or our dedicated weekly regulars.

Thank you to every volunteer who supports DOORWAYS, allowing us to focus on our mission of providing Housing, Health, and Hope. Thank you for showing up, pitching in, and making a difference. We couldn’t do it without you!

Steve's Hot Dogs Fundraiser - Wednesday, October 29

Please plan to join us and the Friends In Deed group on Wednesday, October 29, at Steve's Hot Dogs - South Grand. DOORWAYS is participating in Steve's Hot Dogs - Dogs for Dollars Fundraising Program. Steve's will donate 15% of total dine-in and carryout sales from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Steve's Hot Dogs (South Grand) is located at 3145 South Grand Blvd, 63118.

RED 2026 - 25th Anniversary

The date is set for next year's RED Gala...Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Next year marks RED's 25th Anniversary!

Key Clinic - Grand Opening Soon

Reminder: Opening this fall on the DOORWAYS Jefferson Avenue Campus in North St. Louis, Key Clinic will provide high-quality, accessible healthcare to all members of the community, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The clinic will serve the broader community, expanding DOORWAYS’ focus to include services beyond those for individuals solely affected by HIV.

Key Clinic is founded on the belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and aims to become a trusted partner in improving the health of North St. Louis.

More information on an upcoming Grand Opening as it becomes available.

Current Job Opportunities

DOORWAYS is always on the lookout for compassionate and dedicated people to join us in serving the community. Our services and programs continue to expand and so do our staffing needs. Below is a list of current open positions available agency-wide: