Open Door House celebrates opening of Ezekiel House for young men aging out of foster care
New home doubles the nonprofit's residential capacity and marks the next step in a long-term campus expansion plan.
A light rain fell Tuesday evening, but it did little to dampen the celebration as supporters of The Open Door House gathered to mark a milestone years in the making.
Founder and Executive Director Kathy Lista stood alongside board members, family, friends and community supporters for the ribbon cutting of Ezekiel House, a fully furnished home off Poplar Tent Road that will soon provide housing for two young men aging out of foster care and a trained residential advisor.
For Lista, the opening of Ezekiel House marked the latest milestone in a journey that began more than a decade ago.
Lista founded Open Door House in 2018 after learning about the challenges faced by young adults aging out of foster care. Inspired by a Florida program she encountered during a 2015 service trip and finding no similar resource in Cabarrus County, she eventually left her corporate career to launch the nonprofit.
“This is an answer to a seven-year prayer,” she told the crowd.
Ezekiel House is the second residential home operated by The Open Door House, a nonprofit that supports young adults transitioning out of foster care. The organization currently operates Grace House, located next door, where two young women live alongside a trained residential advisor.
The need for programs like Open Door House remains significant. Each year, more than 500 young people age out of foster care in North Carolina, often without a stable support system or place to live.
Ezekiel House was renovated at a cost of approximately $30,000 on property owned by Concord Church of Christ. Community members helped furnish the residence by purchasing household items through an Amazon wish list.
The opening of the new home marks another step in the nonprofit’s long-term vision of creating a larger campus for young adults aging out of foster care. Once the two male residents move in, the organization will double its residential capacity from two to four residents.
Future plans include a duplex that could house six additional residents and a collection of cottages, eventually expanding capacity to as many as 26 young adults.
Reflecting on the organization’s journey, Lista cited a Bible verse that has guided her since the beginning.
“Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builder is wasted,” she said, quoting Proverbs.
Lista said that faith has remained at the center of the organization's mission and growth over the years.
“This home exists because God provides for our needs, and his kids need safe, affordable housing, programs and communities to surround them.”
Program Director Symone’ Thompson said the addition of Ezekiel House fills an important gap for young men transitioning into adulthood.
“A lot of times, they still need help too,” Thompson said. “This is a door of hope and an opportunity for them to step into a new season and a place of support and a place of really showing them how to grow up and be men.”
Thompson noted that young men are often expected to be strong and self-sufficient, causing their needs to be overlooked.
Since launching its residential program in 2021, Open Door House has served 11 young women, including three graduates. The nonprofit reports that all residents have transitioned to stable housing, while 90% have obtained employment and 90% have earned a high school diploma or GED.
The organization serves young adults ages 18 to 21 who have aged out of foster care, providing housing for 12 to 18 months along with individualized support designed to help residents build stable, independent lives.
Each participant receives a personalized plan rooted in trauma-informed care and focused on six core areas: one-on-one coaching, life skills and financial education, educational and career support, job readiness, health and emotional wellness, and mentoring and community connection.
Lista said she hopes the opening of Ezekiel House and future campus expansion plans will allow Open Door House to serve even more young adults in the years ahead.
As the ceremony concluded, Lista thanked the many donors, volunteers and supporters who helped turn the vision into reality.
“I thank you for standing in the gap for young adults aging out of foster care,” she said.