I believe The Doe Fund is a hopeful organization. One that unites rather than divides. One that brings out the best in people -- not just the formerly homeless men who pass through our Ready, Willing & Able program, but all whose lives they touch -- their own families and children, and all community members who benefit from the difference they are making in the quality of life in our city and the monumental changes they are making in themselves.

The men of Ready, Willing & Able often come from very difficult backgrounds. They are products of poverty, poor education, alcoholism, drug addiction and families broken in ways most of us cannot imagine.

Despite all of this, they come to us wanting to be productive and useful, wanting to be an asset to their families, communities and city, and wanting to share in both the benefits and responsibilities of being an American. As you come to know the individuals of Ready, Willing & Able, you appreciate the heroic proportion of their struggle to change and their profound gratitude for the opportunity that this program provides - structured paid work and collective caring.

The men in blue take pride in the work they do every day on our streets and sidewalks. They are cleaning a city they once felt apart from, but, now, consider their own. Their success is a tribute, not only to their determination, but to the enormous support and appreciation they receive from over 38,000 caring individuals who believe in them and in the transformative power of work.

I feel unbelievably fortunate to know and work with the men of Ready, Willing & Able and to live in a place that embraces diversity and offers opportunity. A place where anyone, even the most downtrodden, can lift himself and be lifted by the love of a great city.

George T. McDonald
Founder & President
The Doe Fund, Inc.