Who We Are

Improving the quality of life for low income and homeless individuals and families

In Northwest Pasadena hunger is on the rise, as food and transportation costs increase. Those with limited incomes feel squeezed. With nothing else to cut out of their budgets, families reduce the purchase of food.

Most of our clients have incomes below $23,000.
23.5% of individuals in Pasadena are under the poverty limit.
1,216 homeless people are in Pasadena on any given day according to the 2011 Homeless Count.

Children, the disabled and the elderly suffer the most when resources are scarce.

Homelessness is another problem in Pasadena. The Official Homeless Count of 2011 in Pasadena found that 1216 homeless adults and children live on the streets on a given day. Because of high rents, unemployment and other social problems, many fall into homelessness through eviction. One out of 110 people in Pasadena is homeless! Despite the increasing struggle to get by, low income and homeless Pasadena know they are not without support. They have at their side, Friends In Deed.

What are we doing about poverty?

The purpose of Friends In Deed is to provide basic services to improve the quality of life for low income and homeless people. As a 501(c)3 congregation- and community-supported organization, ECPAC responds to the needs of low-income persons in the community.

How do we bring about long-term change in our community?

ECPAC/Friends In Deed continually advocates for justice in the areas of homelessness, housing and other issues affecting those with limited resources. We work together with grassroots and government organizations on behalf of the members of our community.

advocacy

What makes Friends In Deed unique?

Friends In Deed facilitates religious and community partnerships to provide coordinated and effective social service to those in need. An outreach of Pasadena area congregations, Friends In Deed has established relationships within the religious community, with other community agencies, business and the government. Our motto is “Doing together what we cannot do alone.”

Board of Directors & Staff

The Rev. Canon Colville Smythe, President Rector Emeritus, St. Mark’s Church

Dr. Jeanette Mann, Vice President
President City College Trustees

Michelle Gavigan, Treasurer
CPA, Gavigan and Associates

Rev. Bill Backstrom, retired pastor
Disciples of Christ

Dr. Nicholas Benson, President of the IMA
Pastor, Summit Evangelical Church

Mr. John Buchanan, Sierra Madre City Council, Senior Attorney, S.C. Edison.

Elwood Hain, retired Professor of Law Whittier College

Pamela Marx, Staff Attorney
Mental Health Advocacy Services

Rev. Inman Moore, retired pastor
United Methodist Church

The Rev. Dr. Ellen Wekall, Clinical Psychologist, Assisting Pastor
Cathedral Center

Edward Vidimos, businessman, member of Assumption of the BVM

Administrative Staff

The Rev. Patricia O’Reilly
Executive Director

Program Staff

Kathy Cashman
Pantry Director
Episcopal Urban Intern

Marlene Martinez
Homeless Prevention Services

Janice Peters
Bookkeeper

Andrew Wright
Homeless Prevention Services
Shelter Volunteer Coordinator

Tara Hull, The Women’s Room
Program Manager

Jackie Knowles
The Women’s Room Advisor

Kari Herwig, William Shelby
Bad Weather Shelter Directors

Natalie Lambert, VISTA
Development Associate

Mike Gallegos, Leota Shimabukuro
SER workers