The Open Door Ministries of Waynesville, North Carolina

The Open Door is a community based and supported organization located in Haywood County, North Carolina. We seek to live the word of Jesus Christ, reaching out to those in need by providing food, clothing, and living assistance. Our family include low-income elderly, families with limited resources, the working poor, those with mental or physical handicaps, and people who are lonely, disenfranchised, or just need hospitality in a safe environment. Our programs are open without charge to all in need regardless of religious affiliation and are geared towards both meeting immediate physical needs and enabling a positive transition in lives. Those who enter The Open Door encounter the love of Christ offered by a dedicated staff and volunteers. The Open Door affects all who enter, whether they are seeking assistance or providing it. But, the true measure of its impact is the transformed lives by their encounter. It is said that the kitchen is the center of a home. At The Open Door, the soup kitchen is at the center of our ministry. Before lives can be transformed, they need basic nourishment. The soup kitchen provides that nourishment. Every day of every year, full-course, nutritious meals are served to hungry men, women and children. While monetary donations are gratefully accepted, there is no charge for the meals. There is no eligibility criteria, and meals are served in a safe, clean and attractive setting. The meals are prepared on site by volunteer cooks using ingredients primarily donated by local stores, supplemented by home grown donations and purchases made with ministry funds. A meal at The Open Door not only meets a physical need, it also provides a social opportunity for our clients to interact in a safe environment. Our clients are varied. Some are mothers with young children and some are elderly. Some are unemployed; others are working and can't make ends meet. They are male & female, young & old, White, Indian, Hispanic/Latino, and African-American. Together, they share birthdays and other special events. This sense of community is especially important to our older clients who may not have an opportunity for other social interaction. All are served in an atmosphere of hospitality and dignity. Breakfast: Mon - Fri 7:30 - 8:30 AM, Lunch: Mon - Fri 11:30 AM - 1 PM, Saturday Dinner: 6 PM, Sunday: Lunch 11:30 AM - 1 PM, Dinner 6 PM.