Friends In Deed Commemorates 130 Years of Service with a Birthday Celebration

Friends In Deed, a Pasadena nonprofit dedicated to aiding the local homeless and vulnerable populations, will commemorate its 130th anniversary with a community event on August 24. The celebration will take place at the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The event will feature food, activities, and a retrospective on the organization’s history. Bret Schaefer, President of the Friends In Deed Board, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and invited the public to join in the festivities.

“It is very gratifying to everyone in the organization to carry on in the spirit of community envisioned by our founders,” Schaefer said.

Founded in 1894 as an interfaith initiative, Friends In Deed has expanded its mission over the years to address a wide range of needs. The organization operates several key programs, including a Food Pantry, The Women’s Room, Bad Weather Shelter, Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance, and Street Outreach and Housing.

The Food Pantry, established in 1978, provides fresh produce, canned goods, and meats to approximately 440 families per week. The Women’s Room offers a safe space for homeless and at-risk women to take care of basic needs such as showering, laundry, and rest, along with resources for job searches and other support services. The Bad Weather Shelter, operated seasonally from January to March, provides a safe place for the homeless during inclement weather.

Friends In Deed’s Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance program helps families and individuals avoid homelessness by providing financial assistance and support to maintain their housing. The Street Outreach and Housing initiative aims to connect homeless individuals with housing opportunities and other essential services.

City officials, including Pasadena Housing Director William Huang, have acknowledged Friends In Deed’s vital role in the community. The organization is noted for its compassionate and resourceful approach to service delivery, ensuring that clients are treated with dignity and respect.

In recent years, Friends In Deed has adapted its services to meet the changing needs of the community, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization has continued to operate and expand its programs, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need.

Friends In Deed also hosts various fundraising events to support its mission. For example, the “Friends in Cheese” fundraising event held in February 2023 was a significant success, bringing together nearly 100 supporters to raise funds for the organization’s programs.

The 130th birthday celebration is free to attend, and the public is encouraged to RSVP online at https://friendsindeedpas.org/130th-birthday-celebration/. 

Attendees are also invited to bring gifts of canned foods, small unopened toiletry items, or make a $130 donation to Friends In Deed. For more information about Friends In Deed and to stay updated on their initiatives, please visit their website or follow them on social media.

Friends In Deed’s long-standing history of serving the homeless and vulnerable communities in Pasadena continues to make a significant impact, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for all residents.