Doorways Supportive Living

Pros

• Los is described as a hero by the reviewer.
• The facility looked nice and the secretary was friendly and helpful.
• The staff are very nice and polite.
• Doorways staff can change lives and gave the reviewer hope.
• The staff truly care, understand needs, and do everything to help.
• The facility is impressive in size with a diverse range of services.
• The organization is indescribably valuable to the community and to individuals and families.
• Caseworkers are caring and act in residents' best interests.
• The organization is a blessing to the community and those it serves.
• Doorways is a great resource for the LGBTQ community.

Cons

• The service is a joke.
• They told her there was something mentally wrong with her in order to receive help.
• The staff were messy and talked to residents like they were kids.
• The funds allocated to the place could pay for much better staff.
• They tolerate discrimination, and the staff talk to tenants like kids with no respect.
• They waited weeks for a response and wouldn't cover a partial amount, leaving the renter with few options.
• They discriminated against her with retaliation and relocated her to a crime-infested area after she filed a grievance.
• The facility lacked basic facilities such as food or water for clients after a long travel.

Review

The collection of experiences around Doorways paints a picture of a program that can feel like a lifeline to many, even as it confronts real frustrations and conflicting realities. Across the reviews, there is a common recognition that the work Doorways does matters deeply: it touches housing, rent assistance, and the broader well-being of people who are navigating tough circumstances. In the most glowing notes, Doorways and its people are framed as heroes and changemakers. One reviewer calls Los a hero and repeatedly expresses love for him, while others mention a facility that feels inviting and staffed by people who are friendly, helpful, and genuinely caring. The sense conveyed is that the mission is not merely administrative support but a compassionate, neighborly effort to stabilize lives and restore a sense of belonging.

There are many affirmations about the human impact of the staff. Reviewers describe caseworkers and front-line staff who listen, advocate, and align resources with individual needs. They speak of moments that feel transformative: conversations where someone felt truly cared for, guidance that put them on a path toward a "better place in mind, body, and spirit," and staff who go beyond the call to support not just housing but overall well-being. The sentiment is that this organization can, at its best, do more than provide shelter or rent relief; it can change trajectories, restore hope, and help people feel seen and valued. The testimonials even expand beyond financial help to emphasize emotional support, respectful treatment, and a sense of safety and community.

Interwoven with the praise are stories that celebrate inclusion and resilience. Several reviewers emphasize Doorways as a vital resource for LGBTQ communities and other marginalized groups, insisting that without the organization, families and individuals might not have progressed as far as they have. There is gratitude for the broad, humane approach - acknowledging that Doorways is "more than just housing" and that its work touches dignity, stability, and the capacity to rebuild lives after hardship. The mentions of specific people - such as Lexi McNamara who helped secure rent assistance, and a staff member named Todd G who left a strong impression - ground the praise in concrete, positive interactions. The tone is one of heartfelt appreciation for the staff's generosity and dedication, as if the organization functions as a local safety net woven with personal commitments.

Yet, alongside these affirmations are recurring criticisms that signal gaps between ideals and day-to-day operations. A number of reviewers describe experiences where staff treated residents in ways that felt dismissive or condescending, likening interactions to addressing children rather than adults. Others explicitly voice concerns about discrimination and retaliation, pointing to incidents involving leadership or residential landlords and asking for accountability. There are also practical complaints about communications and responsiveness: voicemail trees, delayed email replies, and slow processing of referrals or documents. When people need timely help, some report feeling left waiting, with the sense that staff may be overwhelmed or not consistently aligned, which can undermine trust during vulnerable moments.

Money and resource constraints also surface in the critique. Several entries discuss the limits of funding, including frustrating situations where rent assistance could not cover the full need or where max limits constrained what could be offered, leaving clients with insufficient options. There are mentions of long wait times for approvals and the perception that funds could be allocated more efficiently to support a broader or more immediate range of needs. In addition, some reviewers note the absence of certain basic conveniences - such as accessible on-site facilities or readily available nourishment for clients traveling long distances - which compounds the sense of inconvenience and disappointment for those showing up in person seeking help.

A few narratives emphasize continuity and long-term engagement with Doorways. One individual describes living at Doorways (Cooper House) since 2005 and developing enduring friendships, speaking of a place that has become a home and a community rather than merely a service. Another reviewer reflects on a painful prior experience but credits Doorways with consistency in communication and effectiveness, even as they admit some recent lapses. The thread here is clear: for some, Doorways remains an anchored, dependable presence over many years; for others, recent frustrations threaten to erode that trust.

Taken together, the reviews reveal a complex institution with a profound potential to improve lives, tempered by real operational and interpersonal challenges. The positive threads speak to a culture of care, gratitude, and meaningful impact - where staff are portrayed as heroes who can shepherd people toward stability, dignity, and renewed hope. The critical threads remind us that even well-meaning, compassionate organizations must continually work on communication, fairness, responsiveness, and consistent, respectful treatment of every resident. For Doorways to fulfill its promise, the path forward seems to involve strengthening the human connections at the core of its work, ensuring fair treatment for all clients, improving responsiveness and transparency in how help is allocated, and addressing logistical shortcomings that can derail even the best-intentioned efforts. In every note, the underlying message is clear: the work matters deeply, and with continued attention to both hearts and systems, Doorways can sustain the trust and impact it has already earned in the communities it serves.

Located in the vibrant city of St. Louis, Missouri, this area offers a plethora of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a convenient and lively community. With multiple pharmacies including Walgreens and CVS nearby, accessing healthcare essentials is easy. The neighborhood also boasts a variety of dining options such as Yellowbelly and Salt + Smoke for those who enjoy dining out. For medical needs, hospitals like St Louis Children's Hospital and Barnes-Jewish Hospital are within close proximity. Additionally, parks like Tower Grove Park and Lafayette Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. With transportation options like the Zooline Railroad and Amtrak accessible, getting around is convenient. Overall, this part of St. Louis offers a diverse range of services and attractions that make it an appealing choice for seniors looking to settle down in a bustling yet convenient location.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• Schnucks (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Yellowbelly (0.5 miles)
• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• The Gramophone (1.1 miles)
• The Muny (1.5 miles)
• Salt + Smoke (1.7 miles)
• Boathouse at Forest Park (1.7 miles)
• Milo's Tavern (2.2 miles)

Hospitals

• The Rehabilitation Institute of St Louis (0.5 miles)
• St Louis Children's Hospital (0.7 miles)
• VA Medical Center Spinal Cord Injury Program (1.2 miles)
• Metropolitan St Louis Psychiatric Center (1.4 miles)
• SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center (1.7 miles)
• St Alexius Hospital (4.3 miles)

Physicians

• Barnes-Jewish Hospital (0.8 miles)
• BJC Behavioral Health Service - Dinu Petru Gangure MD (2.9 miles)
• University Club Medical (5.2 miles)
• Southwest Medical Center (5.7 miles)

Parks

• Wohl Recreation Center / Sherman Park (1.5 miles)
• Bar K (1.6 miles)
• Fairground Park (2.3 miles)
• Tower Grove Park (2.4 miles)
• Lafayette Park (2.8 miles)
• Citygarden (3.4 miles)
• Gateway Arch National Park (3.8 miles)

Transportation

• Zooline Railroad The Wild (2 miles)
• Amtrak (3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Blueprint Coff (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Ambrose Church (2.2 miles)
• St Johns Lutheran Church (3.7 miles)
• St Ann Catholic School (4.9 miles)
• St Raphael the Archangel Church (5.3 miles)
• Old Orchard Church (5.6 miles)
• Macedonia Baptist Church (5.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Esquire 7 (3.5 miles)