Dream Center
| Founded | 1994 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Matthew Barnett Tommy Barnett |
| Focus | Healthcare, Development |
| Location |
|
Area served | 84 centers |
Key people | Matthew Barnett Tommy Barnett |
| Website | thedcnetwork.org |
The Dream Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit[1][2] Christian Pentecostal network of community centers based in Los Angeles, California, established in 1994. The president of Dream Center is Matthew Barnett.
History
[edit]
The organization was founded in 1994 by Pastor Matthew Barnett and Tommy Barnett of Dream City Church as a home missions project of the Southern California District of the Assemblies of God.[3]
In 1996, after purchasing the old Queen of Angels Hospital in Echo Park, it transformed it into a social center for the homeless, prostitutes and members of street gangs.[4]
In 2001, Pastor Matthew Barnett and the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel merged the Dream Center with the Angelus Temple, making Barnett the senior pastor over Angelus Temple as well as the Dream Center.[5]
Associated Dream Centers have been established in other cities. As of 2022, the organization has established 84 centers in other cities and countries around the world.[6]
Programs
[edit]Dream Center offers a food bank, clothing and assistance programs for victims of disaster, domestic violence, drug addiction, human trafficking and prisoners.[7][8]
Controversy
[edit]In 2005, some Hurricane Katrina evacuees staying at the Dream Center said they had difficulty receiving donations.[9] In response to the complaints several social activists, led by Ted Hayes, an advocate for the homeless, called a news conference demanding an investigation of the Dream Center. After visiting the Dream Center, however, and being given a tour of the facility, the activists concluded that the accusations were groundless. "There is no basis to the complaints we've heard," Hayes said, "The horror stories reported to us do not exist."[10]
References
[edit]- ^ "Dream Center Foundation A California Non Profit Corporation". charitynavigator.org. Charity Navigator. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ "The Dream Center". projects.propublica.org. ProPublica. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ ROBERT CROSBY, A Dream of a Center: 'A Model for Faith-based Organizations', christianitytoday.com, USA, August 15, 2011
- ^ Joe Mozingo, Queen of Angels Undergoes Conversion, latimes.com, USA, September 6, 1997
- ^ Kurt Streeter, Angelus Temple Will Keep Historic Interior, latimes.com, USA, October 15, 2001
- ^ Dream Center, About, dreamcenter.org, USA, retrieved November 5, 2022
- ^ Dream Center, Outreach Programs, dreamcenter.org, USA, retrieved November 5, 2022
- ^ Scott Thumma, Dave Travis, Beyond Megachurch Myths: What We Can Learn from America's Largest Churches, John Wiley & Sons, USA, 2007, p. 84
- ^ Wells, Matthew (September 18, 2005). "Katrina challenge for LA mission". BBC News. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
- ^ Sahagun, Louis (September 17, 2005). "No Nightmare Seen at the Dream Center". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 14 December 2013.