When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, an unexpected expense can cause good people to fall on hard times.

You can help.

Join in Open the Door, a fun evening to benefit the crisis fund of nonprofit A Doorway to Hope, and you’ll be helping to prevent homelessness among the working poor in our community.

“Homelessness is a larger problem in our community than most people know,” said Maria Young, president of A Doorway to Hope. “We live in Cary, this wonderful beautiful community, and still, right here under our noses are working poor citizens who are facing eviction.

“A Doorway to Hope provides a unique capacity to prevent homelessness on an individual basis. All are welcome to join us on October 9 at Academy Street Bistro for an amazing night of fabulous food and great atmosphere, with people dedicated to making a difference. We’ll share our mission, examples of the impact we have made, and describe how others can get involved.”

Since 2004, the Crisis Fund has provided funds to prevent eviction, purchase beds for children, and provide household items including a refrigerator for a family who did not have one.

More ways to help

The benefit event takes place Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m., at Academy Street Bistro in downtown Cary.

Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres prepared by Culinary Institute Chef Brian Fitzgerald, and the camaraderie of friends.

Tickets for Open the Door are $75, and are available at adoorwaytohope.org.

Can’t make it to this weekend’s benefit? Lend a hand to other projects at A Doorway to Hope instead, including Thanksgiving baskets for families in need, and an Angel Tree Christmas campaign.

Or, volunteer as correspondence chair, database or event coordinator, or serve as a translator for families who speak Spanish.

For more information, visit adoorwaytohope.org.