Open Door Community House

Throughout its history, Open Door has expanded to meet the increasing needs of the community, which has responded by opening its heart to those in need. Open Door works with children, women, and families to embody Christ and empower those who need help and hope. Open Door has been an incarnational ministry since its founding"serving as the hands and feet of Christ" as it opens doors of faith, hope, and opportunity to all who seek its help. Open Door is committed to long-term solutions to poverty and envisions a community unburdened by the grasp of poverty.

Addie Greeley, a deaconess in the Methodist Church, and Miss Lizzie Evans came to Columbus in 1924 and began doing children's programming in the basement of Hamp Stevens Methodist Church in Bibb City. They believed that the community needed a way to respond to the suffering experienced after one of the largest mills operating in the area closed and the people were in need. Mrs. George (Weeta) Watts-Mathews was waiting for the need to be identified. She insisted that space be provided to minister to the needs of the community, so a small cottage at the rear of Hamp Stevens was donated.