Releasing Today: Creating Pathways Out of Homelessness with The Doe Fund

Homelessness is about more than the absence of housing.

It's about the absence of opportunity, stability, and the support systems that help people build lasting independence.

For nearly 40 years, The Doe Fund has worked to change that. Founded in 1985, the New York City nonprofit has helped thousands of people experiencing homelessness and other significant barriers rebuild their lives through paid transitional work, supportive housing, career training, education, and long-term support. Its nationally recognized Ready, Willing & Able program is built on a simple but powerful belief: when people are given meaningful opportunities, they can build lasting change for themselves and their communities.

Today, Mentor A Promise is proud to release a new episode of The Bells I Hear featuring Jennifer Mitchell, President and CEO of The Doe Fund, and Rahdel Sharbaan, Associate Director of The Doe Fund's Gates Avenue Transitional Residence and a graduate of the Ready, Willing & Able program.

Their conversation explores what it truly takes to move beyond crisis and toward stability.

Together, they discuss how safe housing, meaningful employment, mentorship, accountability, and long-term support can create pathways to independence. Rahdel's journey—from program participant to organizational leader—offers a powerful example of how investing in people creates opportunities not only for individual success, but for future leadership.

At Mentor A Promise, we share a similar belief: lasting change happens when people are surrounded by opportunity, consistency, and a community that believes in their potential. While our mission focuses on supporting children and families experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, education, creativity, and advocacy, we know that strengthening families also means learning from organizations that are advancing innovative solutions across the housing continuum.

This episode is more than a conversation about homelessness.

It's a conversation about possibility.

It's about recognizing human potential, investing in people, and building systems that empower individuals to thrive rather than simply survive.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, educator, policymaker, researcher, student, or someone passionate about creating stronger communities, we hope you'll take time to listen.

Because every lasting solution begins with understanding.

🎙️ The Bells I Hear is releasing today.

Join us as we explore the ideas, partnerships, and stories shaping a future where more people have the opportunity to build stable, fulfilling lives.