“Doing together what we cannot do alone,” has been the Friends In Deed motto for as long as anyone can remember. In 1894, local congregational leaders united to tackle the challenge of poverty and build bridges for a stronger Pasadena. Since that time, we have continued to foster community partnerships and collaborations to more effectively address the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.
In the aftermath of World War II we became the Ecumenical Council of Pasadena Area Churches (ECPAC), receiving our 501(c)3 and officially becoming a nonprofit organization in 1946.
In 1960, Mara Moser, a visionary woman and Pasadena resident, recognized specific needs in the community. She first launched Friendly Visitors, befriending families of prisoners. This all-volunteer group came under ECPAC in 1961 and broadened their scope to help any low-income family with critical problems. In 1961, Mara Moser also started Mothers’ Club at the Orange Grove Friends Meeting House. Mothers’ Club was a program for low income mothers and their preschool children for food, preschool, and support among neighbors. These programs experienced a lot of crossover of services, clients, and community volunteers. In 1976, ECPAC held a contest to rename their program branch, as Friendly Visitors wasn’t quite unique enough in community colloquialism. From two community members’ suggestions, the programs became known as Friends In Deed, with different committees and services.
In 1978, we built the Friends In Deed House at the corner of Washington and Los Robles to house the Food Pantry, offices, and a clothing program. Still set up like a neighborhood grocery store today, Food Pantry community members choose designated amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats, fresh baked goods, and a large variety of non-perishable items.
In 1988, we expanded our services when we began to manage Pasadena’s Bad Weather Shelter (BWS), which was at Pasadena Covenant Church for over 30 years. Now operating in partnership with Trinity Lutheran Church from winter to mid-spring, BWS provides a warm welcome, a cozy cot, and a hot meal on cold or rainy nights.
In 2007, we launched The Women’s Room (TWR), a groundbreaking program for women experiencing homelessness or vulnerability. This daytime shelter has always provided a safe space and essential services like laundry, showers, and healthy meals. In recent years, TWR has grown to offer case management, space for naps, computer access, and a variety of classes and opportunities for health, wellness, and community.
In 2009, we began to offer rental assistance through a homelessness prevention program that has now become our Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance (EPRA) program, supporting individuals and families experiencing short-term financial trouble to remain stably in their homes.
In 2010, we strengthened our commitment to inclusivity by transitioning to an interfaith partnership model. This shift allowed us to build broader connections across diverse faith communities, addressing the growing needs of the Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley areas.
In 2017, we established the Street Outreach and Housing program to directly support people living on the streets. The team works to reduce housing barriers, provide for critical needs, and navigate individuals and families into housing.
Today, our dedicated staff and deeply committed volunteers continue to bridge the gap between those in need and the resources that can transform lives. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more compassionate community.