Testimonials

"I have experienced first hand, the healing power of family and the importance of a family's presence when an ailing child has to endure the unimaginable challenges of hospitalizations, curative treatments, and surgeries. My older brother was born with a congenital heart defect that required extensive hospital stays and countless surgeries for the duration of his life. My family was fortunate enough to have the financial means to always be present and provide my brother with love and support. Open Doors Foundation has recognized the importance of family and was created to provide assistance to families in need of financial assistance so they too can be with their loved ones in times of need."

"My four year old niece, Anna, has advanced brain cancer. I am 27 years old at the time, laying in a hospital bed, blood being drawn from one arm, going through a centrifuge to extract platelets, and being pushed backed into my other arm. When the blood re-enters my body it has cooled and despite the summer heat and humidity, I am freezing, covered in a blanket. Anna's parents, my sister a secretary at the local electric utility, and brother-in-law a policeman walking a beat in inner-city Philadelphia, lives are in chaos. Their other two daughters are struggling with the day-to-day of life as their parents spend their time and money tending to Anna. They are emotionally and financially drained, what little money they have goes to hospital bills and keeping up is a challenge. I am frustrated as I watch them struggle ... their marriage suffers. I am a graduate student and the only thing I can offer is the platelets coursing through my veins. Anna needs the platelets to fight off the devastating effects of the massive doses of radiation and chemo she is receiving. So I give as frequently and as much as the doctors will allow me to give. If only Opens Doors had been available to help families like Anna's."

"Assisting families who have critically ill children with a much needed rental or mortgage payment is a great way to give back to our communities. Opens Doors does this very efficiently, with 100% of contributions going directly to those most in need."

"At 3:14 in the morning, carrying your 7 month old son around the corner for the 17th time of the children's ward at the hospital that is trying to keep you son alive, the only sliver of stable ground you cling to is knowing you house payment is not on the list of the 928 other things that you are worrying about. Only Opens Doors Foundation will give you that kind of hope. ODF - Thinking with our Heart."

"Since 2013, I have been fortunate to serve as Chairman of the MBA Opens Doors Foundation. Every month since then, I've seen first-hand what families are facing when caring for a sick child, and every month I am humbled by the impact our grants have on vulnerable families in our communities."

"Our industry is focused on promoting families and their desire to build security and wealth through homeownership. When families experience unexpected hardships, whether it be health or financial, we want to help. That's what Opens Doors is all about. We are in it together."

"I am honored to be part of Opens Doors mission as this is a wonderful opportunity to provide meaningful assistance. It is humbling to be part of such a terrific cause and I look forward to making Opens Doors available to more families in need."

"Opens Doors has a special place in my heart!! There is no respite from the constant worry about a sick child but in the midst of that, Opens Doors provides peace of mind that a mortgage or rent payment has been taken care of, allowing families to focus solely on their child. That little bit of relief means parents do not have to worry about whether they will have a home for their child to return to after treatment."

"As a pediatrician and the medical director of the Complex Care Program at Children's National, I see first-hand what families go through as they try to manage the care of their medically complex child while simultaneously meeting the competing needs of family, work, and life in general. The emotional toll and financial burden can be overwhelming. The Opens Doors Foundation provides families with a much needed lift in difficult times. Knowing their home is secure enables a family to focus on their child and family, providing an easier path to recovery."

"Hearing about the hardships these families face because of the sacrifices they are making to care for their sick children, it is hard not to feel that, 'there but for the grace of God go I.' Fortunately, Opens Doors is in the business of providing grace; that is, hope unlooked for but at a time most needed."

"Giving back to the families and communities in which MBA members live and work is not only the right thing to do - it is the best thing we can do as an industry. It is an amazing feeling to know that every dollar we raise goes directly to help families in need."

"The MBA Opens Doors Foundation provides a unique charitable platform to directly assist families with housing expenses when their child is hospitalized with a critical illness. A stable home environment is so important to families struggling with significant and almost unimaginable emotional and financial stress."

"We [Dave Stevens and I] brought the idea of creating the Opens Doors Foundation to the MBA when Dave first joined as CEO. Having an industry that gives back to the neediest of families at their most critical time while doing what we do best, by helping families stay in their homes, is a most meaningful mission for the MBA and its members."

"Having been an MBA member in my previous position, I've seen the impact Opens Doors has on families who rent and own the homes we finance. I am honored to join a Board so committed to families in our communities, and I look forward to helping the Foundation grow."

"Making the decision to support Opens Doors was easy, what an incredible blessing to have a foundation that allows us to take a burden away from a family dealing with their child's critical illness. These children and their families suffer greatly and we have the great fortune though Opens Doors to help these families stay in their homes where they are safe and secure. At a time of so much uncertainty, Opens Doors is able to provide some peace of mind to a family facing unimaginable worry and stress. Mortgage Bankers can help families get a home. The Opens Doors Foundation can help them stay there."

"Whenever your child is seriously ill, and someone goes out of their way to show kindness to your child and your family, you never forget them. My wife and I will always remember those nurses, friends, and strangers who showed their kindness to us. The Opens Doors Foundation does exactly this for thousands of families in a tangible way."