
ABOUT
WHY DWELLING HOUSE OF HOPE
The name "Dwelling House of Hope" was born from a simple but powerful vision: to create a place where individuals and families facing life's toughest challenges could find refuge, compassion, and a fresh start. It reflects both the physical space and the sense of emotional and spiritual shelter we aim to provide
The “dwelling” symbolizes more than just a physical home. It represents a sanctuary, a place where people can rest, heal, and rebuild. A place where food, support, and kindness flow freely.
The word “house” is not just about a building—it’s about the feeling of community. It speaks to the connection between people, the relationships that are formed when we come together to share and care for one another. Whether it was cooking meals for the hungry or providing a safe haven for foster children and individuals struggling with addiction, Dwelling House of Hope became a symbol of safety, belonging, and transformation. Levenia has supported foster children by meeting all their needs and also assists low-income single mothers with access to nutritious food
And, of course, there’s "hope." Hope is the cornerstone of everything we do. In a world where so many face hardship, hope is often the first thing to fade. But through small acts of kindness, through offering food, support, and a listening ear, we help to restore that hope—one person, one family at a time. We believe that with hope, anything is possible. It gives people the strength to overcome challenges and the courage to pursue a better tomorrow. Levenia cooks and provides healthy meals to homeless individuals and thos stuggling with addiction
The name "Dwelling House of Hope" is a reminder of why we do what we do: to provide a safe space for healing, to offer nourishment in times of hunger, and to be a beacon of hope in a world that can sometimes feel dark. It's more than a name; it's the promise of a brighter future for all those we serve
Dwelling House of Hope Clients receiving a word of Hope on a Thursday morning before receiving their box of food
Pantry in the basement
Volunteers at the basement pantry
“When I first started this journey, it began in the basement of my own home—a humble, yet warm space where I could offer what I had to those in need. ”
Meet the Team
Levenia Furusa
Founder & Executive Director
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, she embodies a legacy of unwavering service, deeply rooted in the inspiration drawn from her father’s dedicated work with orphaned children. Her journey to the United States in 1995 ignited a passion to combat poverty in ways unimaginable, particularly in a country that many believe is immune to such struggles. Fueled by this revelation, she committed herself to creating transformative change. In 2014, she founded the Dwelling House of Hope (DHOH), which began as a humble food distribution effort from her basement. What started as a small initiative has since blossomed into a powerful lifeline for thousands, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, now serving over 23,500 individuals each month.
DHOH’s impact extends far beyond food distribution. With a fierce dedication to combating food insecurity, homelessness, substance abuse, and promoting community well-being, Levenia’s work is a force of nature. But her service doesn't stop there. She is a founding member of Women of Vision Empowering Nations, a groundbreaking initiative that empowers women across the globe to go above and beyond. She is also the co-founder of the Lowell African Cultural Association, a certified foster care provider, a trained emergency response professional, and a key leader in numerous local and state coalitions addressing hunger, housing, and health equity.
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Levenia Lee Furusa (Executive Director), Lowell, MA; Dwelling House of Hope, Executive Director
Dee Woghiren (Director), Tyngsborough, MA; Comcast,
Lila Vorn (Director), Lowell, MA; Fresenius Medical Care, Association Operation Claims Specialist
Fadzai Pasikwababiri (President), Billerica, MA; Maxi Healthcare Services, Inc., Marketing Director
Shammer Kitiibwa (Director), Chelmsford, MA; MIT Lincoln Labs, IT
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Dan O’connor
MaryLou White
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Sebastiao Cordeiro
Angel Chikumbirike
Brendan Urtecho
Josh Geggis
Ivone Peace Afayo
Carlos Rumaldo
Amilcar Gonzalez