Hope Center Opens in Pasadena, Drawing Hundreds

The Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle’s Diane & John Mullin Hope Center officially opened its doors on Thursday morning, October 12 at 1000 East Walnut Street in Pasadena. The grand opening event saw around 300 attendees, including donors and local leaders.

During the event, Diane and John Mullin, South Pasadena residents, were honored for their contributions to the center’s establishment. Guests had the opportunity to tour the four-story building, which includes a food pantry, social services offices, a workout room, a laundry room, and a multipurpose room.

The grand opening was attended by notable figures, including Diane and John Mullin, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, actress and philanthropist Rebecca King Crews, actor and former football player Terry Crews, broadcast journalist Lisa Guerrero, and Salvation Army leaders Lt. Col. Mike Dickinson and Major Roy Wild.

The center, spanning 42,000 square feet, is expected to fill a significant role in addressing Pasadena’s homelessness crisis. It features a 65-unit apartment complex aimed at providing permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals and veterans. 

Additionally, the center will offer essential social services such as job training, life skills classes, and substance abuse recovery programs.

Funding for the project came from multiple sources, including an $18.7 million contribution from the Multifamily Housing Revenue Bond approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, nearly $4.5 million from the Los Angeles County Notice of Funding Availability, $350,000 in Fifth Supervisorial District Homeless Services Center funding, and a $1 million loan approved by the Pasadena City Council. 

The tireless efforts of Kimberly Darian and Michael Lee, who led a six-year campaign to bring the center to fruition, were instrumental in making the project a reality.