Support Open Doors
Real Change Starts with You
Every gift, whether your time, resources, or expertise, makes a real difference for neighbors facing hunger, homelessness, or housing instability. At Open Doors, your support helps families move from crisis to stability, creating hope and opportunity in our community.
If you or your family are considering a gift, we have a variety of funding levels available for you. Please contact Maria Davis at mdavis@opendoorsct.org or (203) 866-1057 to learn more.
Donate
Your gift can transform lives! Help families facing hunger, homelessness, and housing instability find safety and hope. Every dollar counts. Give today and make an immediate, lasting impact in our community.
Other Ways to Give
Community-driven donation drives make a huge impact! Collect funds, food, or essentials to help neighbors experiencing homelessness — we’d love to work with you.
Community Closet Donations
In Person
Donate clothing and household essentials to Open Doors’ Community Closet! Quality items accepted last Tuesday of each month, 1–3 pm, or by appointment at llopez@opendoorsct.org or call / text 203-515-8091 (Merritt Place entrance). Check our social media for most-needed items each month.
Amazon Donations
Shop on Amazon and donate items to Open Doors! Your gifts—clothing, household essentials, and more—help stock our Community Closet, support street outreach, and equip shelter clients moving into new homes with what they need. Every item makes a real difference.
Pantry Donations
In Person
Bring non-perishable or fresh food Monday – Friday, 9:30 am–noon (Merritt Place entrance, Smilow Life Center). Large or weekend donations? Coordinate with us at info@opendoorsct.org. Every item feeds neighbors in need—act now! (Open-Doors-Food-Drive-poster.pdf)
Online
Your online food donation powers our pantry! Stock shelves with items families rely on, so neighbors facing hunger can get what they need. Donate now without leaving home and make a real difference.
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers at Open Doors make a real difference every day. If you speak Spanish or Haitian Creole, your skills can help us connect even more with our community.
Meal Service
Help our daily meal program team serve shelter guests and the community!
Breakfast: 6:00am-8:00am every day
Dinner: 2:30pm-5:00pm every day
Contact Erin at emcdonough@opendoorsct.org if you'd like to schedule a time for your volunteer group to help prepare dinner.
Grocery Pantry
Help neighbors choose the food they need and keep our pantry organized and fully stocked.
Monday - Friday 9:30am - 11:30am
*Additional hours may be available to organize new donations
Community Closet
Our free store provides clothing, shoes, and essentials to local families. Volunteers help guests find what they need and keep the racks stocked.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9:45am - 12pm
Thursday 7pm - 7:30pm
Last Tuesday of the Month (donations) 12:45pm - 3pm
After School Buddies
Support children experiencing homelessness by helping them learn and have fun in a caring, consistent environment. Volunteers commit to a regular schedule to provide stability.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Short-Term Projects
Join us for seasonal or short-term volunteer opportunities, like holiday meal drives, gardening, shelter beautification, data entry, or graphic design.
Coordinate with us at info@opendoorsct.org
Ambassadors
Open Doors’ impact grows when community members step in to share their skills, time, and passion. Our Ambassadors program turns your talents into real change — helping families, neighbors, and the community thrive. Ready to make a difference? Join our Ambassadors team today!
Email us at info@opendoorsct.org
Make a Difference:
Volunteer with Open Doors
Discover more ways you can volunteer! Check out our volunteer page for full details and opportunities.
Want to share Open Doors’ volunteer opportunities with your community? Download our flyer here!
Volunteer Ideas for Every Age: Many on-site volunteer opportunities are for ages 15 and up (16+ for meal volunteers), but there are plenty of ways for younger kids and families to get involved too! Click here for ideas.