Open Door Ministry: 2025 Year in Review

In 2025, Fort Street’s Open Door Ministry continued its long-standing commitment to caring for Detroit’s unhoused neighbors through deepened partnerships, hands-on service, and generous community support.

This year marked meaningful growth in collaboration with Street Outreach Teams and Magdalene Mission, two organizations providing weekly, on-the-streets care for people experiencing homelessness across Detroit. Fort Streeters supported this work in practical ways, including packing 1,535 protein-dense, shelf-stable food bags for neighbors who visit the church and for those served through outreach teams throughout the city. Volunteers also regularly assisted Magdalene Mission by sorting and folding clothing for distribution during their weekly evening drives.

Seasonal generosity played an important role as well. During Advent, the congregation collected handwarmers, gloves, hats, and socks based on partner organizations’ wish lists, filling Kingins Hall with tangible expressions of care. Fort Street also joined with Presbytery partners and a local sorority to provide water bottles and 300 food bags for the Detroit Street Outreach Medical Blitz in June, strengthening relationships with congregations across the region.

Financial support remained a critical part of the ministry’s impact. In 2025, the Open Door awarded Community & Home Supports, Inc. two grants totaling $15,000, helping cover housing costs not eligible for government funding. These grants supported security deposits for individuals and families and contributed directly to creating stable housing opportunities.

Community life and fundraising came together in October with a successful Pre-Marathon Pasta Dinner, welcoming around 100 guests and raising funds for the Open Door Ministry. The year also brought new energy to leadership, with two new members joining the Open Door committee and plans to engage even more of the congregation in 2026.

For more than 50 years, the Open Door Ministry has reflected Fort Street’s commitment to caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of Detroit’s residents. The work of 2025 continues that legacy with compassion, partnership, and hope.