About Open Gate

Our History

Open Gate was born March 4, 2007, as a non-religious outreach of Bering Church. It all started from the fundamental questions:

“We understand what it means to be outside a locked gate, don’t we? So, who is outside the gate in our neighborhood?”

The program that resulted focuses on 18-30-year-old homeless young adults of any sexual orientation or gender identity, but with a fundamental commitment to provide a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ young adults who generally have a very difficult time at shelters and agencies. “Safety” means not only no weapons, drugs, or alcohol, but also no violent speech or action.

Open Gate is representative of the spirit of social justice and social action that has long been a part of Bering’s history and heart. Bering has always been about serving the poor and marginalized, from caring for those sick with yellow fever, influenza, and polio to those with HIV/AIDS beginning with the crisis in the 1980s. This is Bering’s legacy and call.

See What Open Gate is All About

Open Gate is made up of a team of dedicated staff and volunteers

Our Generous Supporters

The work we do would not be possible without the grants and donations from our generous supporters.

American Marketing Association, Houston Chapter

Marketing support

Center for Missional Excellence, United Methodist Church Texas Annual Conference

Infant and family support

Bombas

socks

Brown Foundation

Food, hygiene, clothing, participant assistance

ExxonMobil Foundation

Matching funds for volunteer time, general support

John Steven Kellett Foundation

Food, hygiene, clothing, participant assistance, education programs

Krewe of Olympus

Food, hygiene, clothing, participant assistance, Metro cards

Shell Oil Foundation

Matching funds for donations, general support

Starbucks

Food, hygiene, clothing, participant assistance

Texas United Charities

Food, hygiene, clothing, participant assistance, Metro cards

Interested in Helping?

There are countless ways to support Open Gate. Tell us a little more about how you'd like to help and a member of our team will be in touch.