Posted December 2, 2025
DOORWAYS   |  1101 N. Jefferson Avenue   |  St. Louis MO 63106

Celebrating World AIDS Day 2025

St. Louis, MO – On Monday, December 1, DOORWAYS joined Vivent Health, local AIDS Service Organizations, elected officials, and community leaders to recognize World AIDS Day 2025. This year’s effort was a powerful statement of remembrance, advocacy, and commitment to ending HIV. It also underscored the urgent need to safeguard federal, state, and local HIV resources—now under threat of significant cuts or even elimination nationwide.

“DOORWAYS began in 1988 on the frontlines in the war on HIV,” noted Opal M. Jones, President & CEO of DOORWAYS. “Before HIV funding was added to government budgets, DOORWAYS and other agencies relied on the community to educate leaders on the need for funding and services to stop the spread of HIV—which continues at epidemic levels among those living in poverty and battling homelessness, mental health conditions, and/or substance use challenges. Today reminded me how powerful our collective voice can be.”

Funding for critical supportive services is also in jeopardy. People living with HIV and poverty need a stable foundation to manage their medical recovery regimen and improve quality of life. That means affordable housing, food security, accessible healthcare, and income opportunities—all programs now facing deep reductions.

The day’s program began at 11:30 a.m. with a half mile March for Awareness from Kiener Plaza to City Hall for a Rally and Call to Action. At 12:30 p.m., Mayor Cara Spencer, community leaders, and HIV advocates delivered powerful messages of solidarity and commitment.

Want to take action? Visit our website for a sample advocacy script and contact information for elected officials representing St. Louis and Missouri. Together, we can ensure HIV resources remain strong and accessible for those who need them most.

ABOUT DOORWAYS

Founded in 1988, DOORWAYS provides housing and 360 degrees of wrap-around services to people at the intersection of poverty, homelessness, and illness from HIV.  Each year, we serve 3,000+ clients and family members in 124 counties spread across Missouri and Illinois. Expanding over the years to meet growing depth and breadth of need, DOORWAYS evolved from a hospice caring for the dying to an agency building lives for the living. We currently own 11 buildings with 219 apartments offering five housing platforms—emergency housing, flexible housing, assistive housing for those too ill to live  independently, permanent housing, and, to prevent homelessness for people in their own accommodations, rent/utility subsidies. 

Housing is supplemented by empowerment services to build the social determinants of health (housing, health, food security, employment/income, education, community, etc.) that are needed to advance towards a life of opportunity and  independence. We use individualized case management, resource referrals, self-development programming, employment support, behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric care. To remove barriers to essential resources, we provided space for both a BOCA Pharmacy and the Key Clinic to locate on campus. Both are open to anyone in the community who wishes to use these services. Pairing a clinic next to a pharmacy strengthens the circle of care.

Through this mix of services to stabilize housing, health, and hope, clients begin their journey toward a more self-directed life. Once housed and linked with a vast array of onsite and offsite resources, clients focus on following an HIV-medication regimen that can help them attain undetectable status. When HIV is undetectable, life span and quality of life improve for the individual. Additionally, undetectable means untransmittable (U=U), stopping new cases, opening the door to ending HIV in future generations.

For more information, please review this website or contact the agency at info@doorwayshousing.org

Posted April 15,, 2025
DOORWAYS   |  1101 N. Jefferson Avenue   |  St. Louis MO 63106

HIV Advocacy In Action – April 7 – 11, 2025

St. Louis, MO – This past week, DOORWAYS launched its first Advocacy Week—a powerful opportunity to come together to raise our voices as a community united in support of life-changing housing and wrap-around services to support people with HIV. Federal funding to support the needs of those we serve is under threat. Along with HIV program funding, affordable housing, services for the homeless, food security, and more are also being considered for cutbacks or elimination.

Donors, volunteers, program participants, and staff united to write postcards, make phone calls, and connect with elected officials to ensure that the vital work delivered by DOORWAYS–and other organizations like it–are able to remain in operation to assist all those individuals and families affected by homelessness, illness from HIV, and other chronic conditions associated with poverty.

To kick-off advocacy week, DOORWAYS staff wore red–a color associated with HIV through the use of red ribbons–to show unity and raise awareness. During the phone-a-thon, participants completed 436 phone calls to a list of 187 federal, state, and local elected officials.  Community members also wrote personal notes on the agency’s advocacy postcards, which DOORWAYS mailed to the entire list of elected officials.

This mass effort was recognized by media. The DOORWAYS Advocacy Week received coverage by KSDK, KPLR, and KMOX radio. The latter aired a live interview with President & CEO, Opal M. Jones, during the Chris and Amy Morning Show. Listen to it here.

Active advocacy has been part of the DOORWAYS history since it began in 1988,” explained Opal M. Jones, the President & CEO at DOORWAYS. “Before HIV received national attention, DOORWAYS and other agencies on the frontlines relied on advocacy efforts to secure funds to allow continued operations. We know advocacy will always be a central part of our mission, and this Advocacy Week reminded us just how powerful the collective voice can be.”

Jim Timmerberg, Director of Advancement, expressed his gratitude to all who participated in Advocacy In Action. “A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this week possible. Your passion and action can help protect essential funding towards building a healthier, more just future for those we serve.”

If you’re interested in advocating to retain federal funding for HIV housing and supportive services, please visit our website where you’ll find a sample script, a list of elected officials, and language pulled directly from our advocacy postcards to help guide your outreach.

ABOUT DOORWAYS

Founded in 1988, DOORWAYS provides housing and 360 degrees of wrap-around services to people at the intersection of poverty, homelessness, and illness from HIV.  Each year, we serve approximately 3,000 clients and family members in 124 counties spread across Missouri and Illinois. Expanding over the years to meet growing depth and breadth of need, DOORWAYS evolved from a hospice caring for the dying to an agency building lives for the living. We currently own 11 buildings with 219 apartments offering five housing platforms—emergency housing, flexible housing, assistive housing for those too ill to live  independently, permanent housing, and, to prevent homelessness for people in their own accommodations, rent/utility subsidies. 

Housing is supplemented by empowerment services to build the social determinants of health (housing, health, food security, employment/income, education, community, etc.) that are needed to advance towards a life of opportunity and independence. We use individualized case management, resource referrals, self-development programming, employment support, behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric care. To remove barriers to essential resources, we have arranged to have a BOCA Pharmacy and a Key Clinic on campus. Both are open to anyone in the community who wishes to use these services. Pairing a clinic next to a pharmacy strengthens the circle of care.

Through this mix of services to stabilize housing, health, and hope, clients begin their journey toward a more self-directed life. Once housed and linked with their care coordinator, clients are encouraged to comply with an HIV-medication regimen that can help them attain undetectable status. When HIV is undetectable, life span and quality of life improve for the individual. Additionally, undetectable means untransmittable (U=U), stopping new cases–opening the door to ending HIV in future generations.

For more information, please review this website or contact the agency at info@doorwayshousing.org

Posted May 25, 2025
DOORWAYS   |  1101 N. Jefferson Avenue   |  St. Louis MO 63106

ALTBALL 2025 Fundraiser
Celebrated Fashion Under The Big Top

St. Louis, MO – May 15, 2025, was a night to remember as a community celebrated bold fashion, fierce performances, and unapologetic self-expression. ALTBALL sold out weeks in advance, affirming that it has become a must-attend annual celebration of artistry, community, and resilience.

This year’s theme—RINGLEADER—turned the circus tent in St. Louis/ Midtown neighborhood into a high fashion show with theatrical flair and fearless individuality. More than 25 designers pushed the boundaries of avant-garde fashion. They were joined by special guests Mondo Guerra (Project Runway) and Crystal Methyd (RuPaul’s Drag Race), with a high-energy opening from Kode Redd Dance Company and a show-stopping Circus Berzerkus ball by The TENS Experience.

It was more than a show—it was a vibe. From the explosive opening act to the final strut, ALTBALL 2025 delivered something unforgettable—powered by a community that shows up and believes in the power of creative expression.

Special thanks to DOORWAYS Board Member Chris Lintz, whose vision and leadership launched this event and continues to pull together a fabulous program every year! Special thanks also to Haliday Douglas and Max Maxedon, who both helped shape every detail of the evening. We’re also grateful to the Fourth City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and all of our incredible volunteers who welcomed guests, assisted with seating, managed merchandise, and brought an energy that made the night special.

Thank you also to our on-site photographers: Be Lovely Photography, Elise Dunn, Joan Fisher, and Keith Brake, for capturing so many incredible moments throughout the event. Additionally, we are grateful to Miss-n-Scene Productions for creating a fabulous video recap video of ALTBALL–click here to watch.

ABOUT DOORWAYS

Founded in 1988, DOORWAYS provides housing and 360 degrees of wrap-around services to people at the intersection of poverty, homelessness, and illness from HIV.  Each year, we serve approximately 3,000 clients and family members in 124 counties spread across Missouri and Illinois. Expanding over the years to meet growing depth and breadth of need, DOORWAYS evolved from a hospice caring for the dying to an agency building lives for the living. We currently own 11 buildings with 219 apartments offering five housing platforms—emergency housing, flexible housing, assistive housing for those too ill to live  independently, permanent housing, and, to prevent homelessness for people in their own accommodations, rent/utility subsidies. 

Housing is supplemented by empowerment services to build the social determinants of health (housing, health, food security, employment/income, education, community, etc.) that are needed to advance towards a life of opportunity and independence. We use individualized case management, resource referrals, self-development programming, employment support, behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric care. To remove barriers to essential resources, we have arranged to have a BOCA Pharmacy and a Key Clinic on campus. Both are open to anyone in the community who wishes to use these services. Pairing a clinic next to a pharmacy strengthens the circle of care.

Through this mix of services to stabilize housing, health, and hope, clients begin their journey toward a more self-directed life. Once housed and linked with their care coordinator, clients are encouraged to comply with an HIV-medication regimen that can help them attain undetectable status. When HIV is undetectable, life span and quality of life improve for the individual. Additionally, undetectable means untransmittable (U=U), stopping new cases–opening the door to ending HIV in future generations.

For more information, please review this website or contact the agency at info@doorwayshousing.org

Posted June 27, 2025
DOORWAYS   |  1101 N. Jefferson Avenue   |  St. Louis MO 63106

DOORWAYS Celebrates the 2025
Juneteenth National Independence Day

St. Louis, MO – The word “Juneteenth” was first used in the 1890s referring to June 19, 1865, the day the final state enforced the Emancipation Proclamation. The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution for the national abolition of slavery was passed by Congress in January 1865. By the end of that year, all enslaved people were freed, with the first Juneteenth celebrations in 1866.

In honor of this historic event, DOORWAYS housing programs host events for residents. This year’s activity was a night of fun and fellowship, playing music bingo at Elliott Place. Each guest received a bingo card filled with song titles. As clips of the songs were played, participants marked their cards until a winning combination was reached. Winners chose from a colorful table of prizes.  A buffet of snacks, including themed popcorn, set the tone for the celebration.

Elliott Place is one of the two housing facilities managed by the DOORWAYS Comprehensive Flexible Housing (CFH) program. CFH Program Assistant Jennifer Boston and CFH Program Director Maurice Tracy brought energy and excitement as co-hosts. Events like this strengthen connections among residents and help foster a meaningful support system within the community. We are always seeking organizations to sponsor resident activities. Please visit our volunteer page if you know of a group that may be interested.

ABOUT DOORWAYS

Founded in 1988, DOORWAYS provides housing and 360 degrees of wrap-around services to people at the intersection of poverty, homelessness, and illness from HIV.  Each year, we serve approximately 3,000 clients and family members in 124 counties spread across Missouri and Illinois. Expanding over the years to meet growing depth and breadth of need, DOORWAYS evolved from a hospice caring for the dying to an agency building lives for the living. We currently own 11 buildings with 219 apartments offering five housing platforms—emergency housing, flexible housing, assistive housing for those too ill to live  independently, permanent housing, and, to prevent homelessness for people in their own accommodations, rent/utility subsidies. 

Housing is supplemented by empowerment services to build the social determinants of health (housing, health, food security, employment/income, education, community, etc.) that are needed to advance towards a life of opportunity and independence. We use individualized case management, resource referrals, self-development programming, employment support, behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric care. To remove barriers to essential resources, we have arranged to have a BOCA Pharmacy and a Key Clinic on campus. Both are open to anyone in the community who wishes to use these services. Pairing a clinic next to a pharmacy strengthens the circle of care.

Through this mix of services to stabilize housing, health, and hope, clients begin their journey toward a more self-directed life. Once housed and linked with their care coordinator, clients are encouraged to comply with an HIV-medication regimen that can help them attain undetectable status. When HIV is undetectable, life span and quality of life improve for the individual. Additionally, undetectable means untransmittable (U=U), stopping new cases–opening the door to ending HIV in future generations.

For more information, please review this website or contact the agency at info@doorwayshousing.orgs

Posted June 27, 2025
DOORWAYS   |  1101 N. Jefferson Avenue   |  St. Louis MO 63106

Keystone Society Members
Recognized at Annual Celebration

St. Louis, MO – Agency income depends on generous donors, particularly those who give consistently. Keystone Society membership begins with a gift of $1,200 a year. Many increase that donation, rising to higher membership levels. Keystone Legacy Society members have taken the next step, designating DOORWAYS as part of their estate planning. Designated gifts like this provide the agency with a strong foundation for fiscal planning. 

The 2025 Keystone Society Celebration was held June 18 at the McDonnell Center at River Camp at the Saint Louis Zoo. Board member Jonah Houts hosted the event, which welcomed nearly 90 guests. Agency president and CEO, Opal M. Jones, provided an agency update as guests enjoyed refreshments in the unique location.  Photos from the event are on the right.

“Gifts from members of the Keystone Society contribute more than $200,000 to the agency revenue stream each year,” noted Jim Timmerberg, Vice President of Advancement. “We are grateful to each of them for their compassion and generosity as we seek to provide housing and supportive services to 3,000+ people each year.”

We invite you to consider becoming a Keystone Society member. More information is available on the Keystone web page. Click here for more information.

ABOUT DOORWAYS

Founded in 1988, DOORWAYS provides housing and 360 degrees of wrap-around services to people at the intersection of poverty, homelessness, and illness from HIV.  Each year, we serve approximately 3,000 clients and family members in 124 counties spread across Missouri and Illinois. Expanding over the years to meet growing depth and breadth of need, DOORWAYS evolved from a hospice caring for the dying to an agency building lives for the living. We currently own 11 buildings with 219 apartments offering five housing platforms—emergency housing, flexible housing, assistive housing for those too ill to live  independently, permanent housing, and, to prevent homelessness for people in their own accommodations, rent/utility subsidies. 

Housing is supplemented by empowerment services to build the social determinants of health (housing, health, food security, employment/income, education, community, etc.) that are needed to advance towards a life of opportunity and independence. We use individualized case management, resource referrals, self-development programming, employment support, behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric care. To remove barriers to essential resources, we have arranged to have a BOCA Pharmacy and a Key Clinic on campus. Both are open to anyone in the community who wishes to use these services. Pairing a clinic next to a pharmacy strengthens the circle of care.

Through this mix of services to stabilize housing, health, and hope, clients begin their journey toward a more self-directed life. Once housed and linked with their care coordinator, clients are encouraged to comply with an HIV-medication regimen that can help them attain undetectable status. When HIV is undetectable, life span and quality of life improve for the individual. Additionally, undetectable means untransmittable (U=U), stopping new cases–opening the door to ending HIV in future generations.

For more information, please review this website or contact the agency at info@doorwayshousing.orgs

Posted July 24, 2025
DOORWAYS   |  1101 N. Jefferson Avenue   |  St. Louis MO 63106

2025 Camp Kaya Provides Summer Fun for Nearly Two Dozen Children Residing in the Mama-Kay Family Residential Complex

St. Louis, MO – For more than 16 years, the children living at the DOORWAYS Mama/Kaya Family Complex have looked forward to one cherished tradition: Camp Kaya. This week-long summer camp, hosted by our Residential Housing Program team and dedicated volunteers, welcomed children ages 4 to 15 for a joyful blend of learning, creativity, and play. Each day began with a shared breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by a full schedule of engaging activities.

Highlights included hands-on science experiments with Nitro Joe; a petting zoo featuring goats, donkeys, and chickens; and pony rides. Campers also enjoyed active games like frisbee, kickball, and water balloon fun to beat the summer heat. Their creative sides flourished through salt painting, crafting friendship bracelets, and tie-dyeing t-shirts. Lunchtime offered a chance to refuel before the afternoon program, and each day ended with a snack.

On the final day, the 2025 campers received a backpack filled with school supplies—sparking excitement for the upcoming school year and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.

We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers who made this week possible, including the team from Wells Fargo and more than 10 individual volunteers, such as the Saint Louis University students from Hopeful Horizons. Their time, energy, and kindness made a lasting impression on both the children and our staff.

The Residential Housing Program’s Mama/Kaya Complex is home to program participants with children. While DOORWAYS does not directly serve children, we seek to create stability and offer enriching resources for even our youngest residents. The Residential Housing Program fosters a circle of care for everyone living within our buildings, supporting children year-round—not only through summer camp, but also with after-school tutoring during the academic year. These tutoring sessions are made possible thanks to volunteers from local universities.

If you would like more information about becoming a DOORWAYS volunteer, please visit our volunteer page.

ABOUT DOORWAYS

Founded in 1988, DOORWAYS provides housing and 360 degrees of wrap-around services to people at the intersection of poverty, homelessness, and illness from HIV.  Each year, we serve approximately 3,000 clients and family members in 124 counties spread across Missouri and Illinois. Expanding over the years to meet growing depth and breadth of need, DOORWAYS evolved from a hospice caring for the dying to an agency building lives for the living. We currently own 11 buildings with 219 apartments offering five housing platforms—emergency housing, flexible housing, assistive housing for those too ill to live  independently, permanent housing, and, to prevent homelessness for people in their own accommodations, rent/utility subsidies. 

Housing is supplemented by empowerment services to build the social determinants of health (housing, health, food security, employment/income, education, community, etc.) that are needed to advance towards a life of opportunity and independence. We use individualized case management, resource referrals, self-development programming, employment support, behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric care. To remove barriers to essential resources, we have arranged to have a BOCA Pharmacy and a Key Clinic on campus. Both are open to anyone in the community who wishes to use these services. Pairing a clinic next to a pharmacy strengthens the circle of care.

Through this mix of services to stabilize housing, health, and hope, clients begin their journey toward a more self-directed life. Once housed and linked with their care coordinator, clients are encouraged to comply with an HIV-medication regimen that can help them attain undetectable status. When HIV is undetectable, life span and quality of life improve for the individual. Additionally, undetectable means untransmittable (U=U), stopping new cases–opening the door to ending HIV in future generations.

For more information, please review this website or contact the agency at info@doorwayshousing.orgs

Posted August 30, 2025
DOORWAYS   |  1101 N. Jefferson Avenue   |  St. Louis MO 63106

Members of DOORWAYS’ Leadership Team Attended Three-Day Supervisor Essentials Workshop

St. Louis, MO – Members of the DOORWAYS leadership team attended a three-day training and education event on “Supervisor Essentials” August 18, 19, and 20. The 24 employees represented a diverse range of backgrounds, spanning different levels of work experience, life experience, tenure with the organization, and time in current leadership roles. 

As the professional world continues to evolve, so does DOORWAYS. Over the past five years, the agency’s expansion in services and strategic reorganization created new staff positions—opening the door for internal promotions. These opportunities allowed experienced employees, already deeply engaged with program participants, to step into new roles with confidence and institutional knowledge. This continuity supports smoother transitions and strengthens service delivery. Promoting from within also boosts retention, productivity, and morale, signaling the organization’s respect for and investment in its people. “Strong leaders build strong teams. This investment in our supervisors will repay us many times over,” noted Opal M. Jones, President & CEO.

The essentials training topics focused on understanding their responsibilities as a supervisor, developing/strengthening leadership skills, and discovering effective ways to communicate, motivate, coach, resolve conflicts, and manage productivity within their team. Training topics in the AAIM Employers’ Association Supervisor Essentials included:

• Your Leadership Role
• Leadership Communication Skills
• Implementing Effective Motivation
• High-Performance Coaching
• Mastering Conflict Resolution
• Personal Productivity

ABOUT DOORWAYS

Founded in 1988, DOORWAYS provides housing and 360 degrees of wrap-around services to people at the intersection of poverty, homelessness, and illness from HIV.  Each year, we serve approximately 3,000 clients and family members in 124 counties spread across Missouri and Illinois. Expanding over the years to meet growing depth and breadth of need, DOORWAYS evolved from a hospice caring for the dying to an agency building lives for the living. We currently own 11 buildings with 219 apartments offering five housing platforms—emergency housing, flexible housing, assistive housing for those too ill to live  independently, permanent housing, and, to prevent homelessness for people in their own accommodations, rent/utility subsidies. 

Housing is supplemented by empowerment services to build the social determinants of health (housing, health, food security, employment/income, education, community, etc.) that are needed to advance towards a life of opportunity and independence. We use individualized case management, resource referrals, self-development programming, employment support, behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric care. To remove barriers to essential resources, we have arranged to have a BOCA Pharmacy and a Key Clinic on campus. Both are open to anyone in the community who wishes to use these services. Pairing a clinic next to a pharmacy strengthens the circle of care.

Through this mix of services to stabilize housing, health, and hope, clients begin their journey toward a more self-directed life. Once housed and linked with their care coordinator, clients are encouraged to comply with an HIV-medication regimen that can help them attain undetectable status. When HIV is undetectable, life span and quality of life improve for the individual. Additionally, undetectable means untransmittable (U=U), stopping new cases–opening the door to ending HIV in future generations.

For more information, please review this website or contact the agency at info@doorwayshousing.orgs

Posted September 30, 2025
DOORWAYS   |  1101 N. Jefferson Avenue   |  St. Louis MO 63106

DOORWAYS Participates in Pride Fair in Tower Grove Park September 27-28, 2025

St. Louis, MO – Each year, DOORWAYS provides information on agency services to guests attending the Tower Grove Pride Fair. Pride 2025 was a vibrant two-day community-powered festival in Tower Grove Park. 

Celebrating community, connection, and inclusion, this year’s program ran Saturday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It featured hundreds of vendor booths, many food selections, music on multiple stages, and the People’s Joy Parade Sunday at 1 p.m. 

Sponsored by #STLMADE, attendance numbers have not yet been announced, however, Pride 2024 welcomed an estimated 17,000 people.

ABOUT DOORWAYS

Founded in 1988, DOORWAYS provides housing and 360 degrees of wrap-around services to people at the intersection of poverty, homelessness, and illness from HIV.  Each year, we serve approximately 3,000 clients and family members in 124 counties spread across Missouri and Illinois. Expanding over the years to meet growing depth and breadth of need, DOORWAYS evolved from a hospice caring for the dying to an agency building lives for the living. We currently own 11 buildings with 219 apartments offering five housing platforms—emergency housing, flexible housing, assistive housing for those too ill to live  independently, permanent housing, and, to prevent homelessness for people in their own accommodations, rent/utility subsidies. 

Housing is supplemented by empowerment services to build the social determinants of health (housing, health, food security, employment/income, education, community, etc.) that are needed to advance towards a life of opportunity and independence. We use individualized case management, resource referrals, self-development programming, employment support, behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric care. To remove barriers to essential resources, we have arranged to have a BOCA Pharmacy and a Key Clinic on campus. Both are open to anyone in the community who wishes to use these services. Pairing a clinic next to a pharmacy strengthens the circle of care.

Through this mix of services to stabilize housing, health, and hope, clients begin their journey toward a more self-directed life. Once housed and linked with their care coordinator, clients are encouraged to comply with an HIV-medication regimen that can help them attain undetectable status. When HIV is undetectable, life span and quality of life improve for the individual. Additionally, undetectable means untransmittable (U=U), stopping new cases–opening the door to ending HIV in future generations.

For more information, please review this website or contact the agency at info@doorwayshousing.orgs

Posted October 1, 2025
DOORWAYS   |  1101 N. Jefferson Avenue   |  St. Louis MO 63106

Successful Job & Resource Fair Held at the DOORWAYS Jefferson Avenue Campus on
September 24, 2025

St. Louis, MO – A Job and Resource Fair was held on Wednesday, September 24, in the Community Room at the DOORWAYS Jefferson Avenue Campus. The event is sponsored three times a year by the Employment Alliance, a network of people and services providing support for members of the community who battle poverty, unemployment, and job retention challenges as they search for meaningful employment with a living wage, benefits, and the opportunity for advancement.  The Alliance–which holds monthly meetings–is comprised of 200+ members representing nearly 100 agencies, resource organizations, and employers. 

This September Job & Resource Fair admitted approximately 200 community attendees. Every participant had the chance to connect with 20+ area employers plus agencies/organizations that assist job seekers with meeting qualifications, preparing for the job search, and finding the job. Job leads were discovered. Resources were shared. And hope was renewed.

As a bonus for all joining the Fair, the Man That’s Good food truck was on site, serving up tasty bites provided by food truck co-owner Roxzanna Mosby, who, incidentally, was honored with a Partnership Award at the DOORWAYS Annual Meeting on September 9 (see related story). In Alliance activities, she represents DoubleTree Hotels.

President & CEO, Opal M. Jones, recognized the event as a shining example of collaboration and community impact. “This success truly reflects the strength and purpose of the Employment Alliance in creating meaningful opportunities for our community.”

Community and Employment Participants Included: A House of Hope Resource Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, City of St. Louis, Community Action Agency of St. Louis County, CW Resources, Family and Workforce Center of America, Firefly Supported Living & Employment Services, IN THE DOOR, Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry, Mid-America Carpenters Training Center, Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation, Missouri Works Initiative, Phoenix Home Care and Hospice, Procter & Gamble Co., Propel Kitchens, RISE Services, Inc., Saint Louis University, St. Louis County Library, and VA-STL Hope Recovery Center.

For information on the next Job Fair, please contact Gabriel Desince, the DOORWAYS Director of Careers Services, at gdesince@doorwayshousing.org or 314-328-2715.

ABOUT DOORWAYS

Founded in 1988, DOORWAYS provides housing and 360 degrees of wrap-around services to people at the intersection of poverty, homelessness, and illness from HIV.  Each year, we serve approximately 3,000 clients and family members in 124 counties spread across Missouri and Illinois. Expanding over the years to meet growing depth and breadth of need, DOORWAYS evolved from a hospice caring for the dying to an agency building lives for the living. We currently own 11 buildings with 219 apartments offering five housing platforms—emergency housing, flexible housing, assistive housing for those too ill to live  independently, permanent housing, and, to prevent homelessness for people in their own accommodations, rent/utility subsidies. 

Housing is supplemented by empowerment services to build the social determinants of health (housing, health, food security, employment/income, education, community, etc.) that are needed to advance towards a life of opportunity and independence. We use individualized case management, resource referrals, self-development programming, employment support, behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric care. To remove barriers to essential resources, we have arranged to have a BOCA Pharmacy and a Key Clinic on campus. Both are open to anyone in the community who wishes to use these services. Pairing a clinic next to a pharmacy strengthens the circle of care.

Through this mix of services to stabilize housing, health, and hope, clients begin their journey toward a more self-directed life. Once housed and linked with their care coordinator, clients are encouraged to comply with an HIV-medication regimen that can help them attain undetectable status. When HIV is undetectable, life span and quality of life improve for the individual. Additionally, undetectable means untransmittable (U=U), stopping new cases–opening the door to ending HIV in future generations.

For more information, please review this website or contact the agency at info@doorwayshousing.org

Posted October 1, 2025
DOORWAYS   |  1101 N. Jefferson Avenue   |  St. Louis MO 63106

Agency Leadership Attend U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA) in Washington, D.C.

St. Louis, MO – From September 4-7, 2025, DOORWAYS staff traveled to Washington, D.C., for the annual U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA). Along with President and CEO, Opal M. Jones, managers from our Residential, Emergency Solutions, and Own Home programs joined thousands of colleagues from across the country to take part in critical conversations and trainings. Conferences like USCHA provide our team with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, connect with peers, and bring back new ideas and best practices to strengthen our work here in St. Louis.

DOORWAYS, like many local AIDS Service Organizations (ASO), has been serving the community since the late 1980s. In those early years, the urgent need for hospice care was overwhelming, as effective treatments were not yet available. Today, thanks to medical advances, people living with HIV are living longer, healthier lives, something that was not possible when our organization began. Our role has shifted toward long-term care and support, particularly for an aging population. While we celebrate the hope and independence that extended lifespans bring, we also recognize that many of the people we serve face the added challenge of generational poverty, which makes moving forward even more difficult.

The theme of the 2025 U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS, Aging with HIV, shines a powerful light on this reality. Across plenaries, workshops, and institutes, the conference program creates space to honor people aging with HIV, to learn from their lived experiences, and to explore solutions to the challenges they face.

This year’s programming specifically acknowledged the unique perspectives of different generations: the pre-protease inhibitor era, the post-protease inhibitor survivors, and the “dandelions” who continue to thrive in the face of stigma and struggle. These stories remind us of the resilience within the HIV community and the importance of honoring those who came before us.

As treatments extend lives, new health challenges emerge when a person ages, compounding the impact of HIV. Of the nearly 1.1 million people living with diagnosed HIV in the United States in 2022, approximately 54%—more than half a million people—were aged 50 and older. This reality underscores the importance of continued innovation, compassion, and care as we walk alongside individuals aging with HIV.

ABOUT DOORWAYS

Founded in 1988, DOORWAYS provides housing and 360 degrees of wrap-around services to people at the intersection of poverty, homelessness, and illness from HIV.  Each year, we serve approximately 3,000 clients and family members in 124 counties spread across Missouri and Illinois. Expanding over the years to meet growing depth and breadth of need, DOORWAYS evolved from a hospice caring for the dying to an agency building lives for the living. We currently own 11 buildings with 219 apartments offering five housing platforms—emergency housing, flexible housing, assistive housing for those too ill to live  independently, permanent housing, and, to prevent homelessness for people in their own accommodations, rent/utility subsidies. 

Housing is supplemented by empowerment services to build the social determinants of health (housing, health, food security, employment/income, education, community, etc.) that are needed to advance towards a life of opportunity and independence. We use individualized case management, resource referrals, self-development programming, employment support, behavioral health counseling, and psychiatric care. To remove barriers to essential resources, we have arranged to have a BOCA Pharmacy and a Key Clinic on campus. Both are open to anyone in the community who wishes to use these services. Pairing a clinic next to a pharmacy strengthens the circle of care.

Through this mix of services to stabilize housing, health, and hope, clients begin their journey toward a more self-directed life. Once housed and linked with their care coordinator, clients are encouraged to comply with an HIV-medication regimen that can help them attain undetectable status. When HIV is undetectable, life span and quality of life improve for the individual. Additionally, undetectable means untransmittable (U=U), stopping new cases–opening the door to ending HIV in future generations.

For more information, please review this website or contact the agency at info@doorwayshousing.org