Salvation Army’s Hope Center, New 65-Unit Haven for the Homeless, to Open in Pasadena

The Salvation Army is set to open the Diane and John Mullin Hope Center, a 65-unit housing project for homeless individuals, on October 12. The grand opening will be marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at its location at 1000 E. Walnut Street.

The event will be led by Lisa Guerrero from Inside Edition as the mistress of ceremonies. Local philanthropist Rebecca King Crews, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, Los Angeles County’s 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Commissioner Douglas Riley from The Salvation Army, Western Territory Commander, and Lt. Colonel Mike Dickinson, Southern California Divisional Commander from The Salvation Army are scheduled to attend.

The Hope Center is “a life-changing facility” developed by the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle Corps.

It broke ground in October 2021 and is now ready to open its doors to the public. The center is named after Diane and John Mullin, who have supported the Salvation Army in Greater Pasadena for over three decades.

The center comprises single-room occupancy units built above approximately 2,600 square feet of office space for service providers. The first floor houses Salvation Army Social Services operations and includes program space for emergency assistance and casework. A new client-choice food pantry where clients can select their own groceries is also featured.

Funding for the project came from various sources including an $18.7 million Multifamily Housing Revenue Bond approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, nearly $4.5 million from the County’s Notice of Funding Availability, and $350,000 in Fifth Supervisorial District Homeless Services Center funding. The Pasadena City Council also approved a $1 million loan for the project and provided 65 project-based rental vouchers.

The Diane and John Mullin Hope Center aims to provide housing and assistance to individuals in desperate need within the Pasadena community. 

“Thanks to unwavering support from the City of Pasadena, the Los Angeles Development Authority, Bank of America, and various enterprise and community partnerships, this four-story facility will offer a secure and permanent residence for 65 previously unhoused individuals from the Pasadena area,” the Salvation Army said in a statement released Tuesday.

Diane and John Mullin, the benefactors behind the Hope Center, shared their sentiments, saying, “Working together with The Salvation Army to assist others has been a gift to us. Our ability to be part of this incredible journey, to create a facility that supports the community, and to provide others with the opportunity for a better life, is a blessing.”

According to the Salvation Army, “this newly furnished facility offers residents a sense of normalcy and dignity, providing them with the opportunity to break free from homelessness. With the support of The Salvation Army’s resources, residents can embark on a new life, bolstered and equipped for the journey ahead, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the capital campaign development team and generous operational funders.”

Michael and Cynthia Malone, sponsors of the Family Hope Pantry, expressed their appreciation, saying, “The Salvation Army has a history of helping those in need to heal and to face life successfully; our family could not be happier about this partnership.”

Lt. Colonel Mike Dickinson, Salvation Army Southern California Divisional Commander, added, “We are thankful for all the time and effort that went into bringing this place to life. We know lives will be changed, and the future of Pasadena will look different because of this.”

The grand opening event is generously sponsored by Walton Construction, Inc. Entertainment will be provided by international entertainer and author Stephanie Spruill.
For more information about the grand opening and ways to support the Diane and John Mullin Hope Center, please visit www.pasadenahopecenter.com.