Amanda's Story: It Takes A Village
- Open Door
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
High Point, NC - When Open Door Ministries puts out a call for support, there is often one familiar name helping rally the response: Amanda Anderson. As a Board Member, volunteer, and Executive Director of Cover The City Project, Amanda has spent more than two decades bringing people together to care for their most vulnerable neighbors.
Raised in High Point in a family where giving back was a way of life, Amanda learned early that a meaningful life is built through selfless service. 13 years ago, as a new wife, new mother, and stepping into a new career, Amanda noticed a homeless person near her son’s school. Without second thought, she reached out to friends, gathered resources, to help this individual out of immediate crisis. Even Amanda herself did not know; What began as a single act of kindness grew into a lifelong commitment of bringing a community together with warmth and love. The Cover the City Project was born.
“It started with blankets and socks, the most requested items in shelters” Shared by Amanda: “as I build connections and advocated for needs, I was able to expand my network and getting lots of individuals involved who have hearts of altruism and philanthropy.”
Cover The City operates with a singular focus: finding resources and putting them directly into the hands of frontline organizations. While agencies like Open Door Ministries provide daily shelter, meals, and case management for immediate crisis management, Amanda and her team work behind the scenes. They foster collaboration, gather in-kind support, and strengthen a culture of generosity across the community.
“Not everyone can give financially, but everyone can give through volunteerism: their time, energy, skills, and connections. My parents surrounded me with people who loved giving back, it constantly inspires me to be a better person. Now it has become my second nature. My kids love being at Arthur Cassell House and getting involved. Through generational values, this is how this shared responsibility continues. It truly takes everyone, it takes a village.” Amanda said.
Through years of partnership, Amanda and Cover The City Project have played a meaningful role in supporting Open Door’s mission. In 2024, ODM received 255,000+ lbs of in-kind donation, made possible through a broad network of partners and advocates working together. In September 2025, Open Door Ministries honored Amanda and her husband, Ben, by naming the Amanda and Ben Anderson Recreation Area at the Arthur Cassell Transitional House for Veterans. In November 2025, responding to the Government shutdown and changes to SNAP benefits, Amanda spear-headed an urgent Community Food Drive which partnered with 19 local businesses/ schools/organizations to collect more than 6,000 lbs of non-perishable food items for families in need.
As Executive Director Ryan Ross shared, “Amanda Anderson’s dedication to Open Door Ministries is nothing short of extraordinary. Her passion for serving others is evident in every role she takes on. Through her faithful board service and her tireless work with Cover The City, Amanda has helped drive a real, measurable change that has transformed lives across High Point. Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment continue to strengthen Open Door’s mission and bring hope to those who need it most.”
Yet, Amanda is quick to deflect recognition. She and the Cover The City Project continue to host winter warmth drives, advocate for resources, and collaborate with more organizations like Open Door Ministries.
As we step into 2026, let Amanda’s story be a reminder that meaningful change is built through collaboration, and a heart of caring for others. It comes from those who always show up for others and work humbly behind the scenes to create a stronger, more compassionate and caring community, every day, every moment, one act of service at a time.
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ABOUT OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES
Open Door Ministries is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people regain their lives through supportive services and emergency assistance. Our programs and services are solution-oriented, and ministry minded, including the operation of a homeless shelter, serving daily meals, distributing non-perishable and fresh food, obtaining permanent housing, providing emergency assistance and acquiring and maintaining permanent jobs.
Our mission is "to serve, empower, and minister to guests in order to prevent and end hunger and homelessness through advocacy, education, housing, and coordination of services."