Open Door North East

Hope, Justice, Mercy and Dignity for those seeking sanctuary

meet
MON-FRI
when
9am-5pm
where
MELBOURNE HOUSE
who
EVERYONE

Open Door North East began in 2001 when members of Jubilee Church Teesside began to befriend and reach out to asylum seekers and refugees both within and outside the church. 

In 2003 it became a separate registered charity and has since grown to provide a comprehensive range of support services to both refugees and asylum seekers on Teesside. Its work includes the provision of food and accommodation for asylum seekers left homeless with no recourse to public funding. It also provides affordable, supported social housing to refugees and a range of drop-in, information, advice and support services, including a refugee work club a refugee move on project, English classes, a women’s drop-in and Sew2Work Enterprise classes.

Its mission statement is 'to support those seeking sanctuary to move out of poverty and destitution and be empowered to achieve their full potential.'

There are many ways members and friends of Jubilee Church can support Open Door’s work including volunteering in one of its projects or giving a donation, either as a one-off or more regularly.

To find out more please visit www.opendoornortheast.com.

Camilla’s story

Camilla (name changed) was a Muslim lady rejected and dumped in the UK by her husband who apparently wanted a new and younger wife. She was sleeping in a shop storeroom when Open Door first met her. They were able to help Camilla, and when she eventually received her refugee status, she came with a small gift of a packet of sweets to say thank you and said these words without realising that she was quoting Jesus:

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

Matt 25:34-36

Camilla’s story really sums up what Open Door North East is all about. Showing the love of God to everyone whatever their background and whatever their personal faith or lifestyle. It is about seeing the love of Jesus shared with people who have often come from all around the world fleeing dangerous situations, conflict zones and oppressive regimes.

Last Updated: Wed, 5th Oct 2016

"It is a long time since I have felt I belonged anywhere and I feel so much better... I didn’t realise how lonely and sad I felt without a sense of belonging but now I have been welcomed into a home. The feeling is priceless."

Francis, Spring 2016