LEVENIA FURUSA

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Levenia Furusa, born and raised in Zimbabwe, has always embodied a deep sense of service, instilled in her from an early age by her father’s work with orphaned and homeless children. After moving to the United States in 1995, Levenia was shocked to discover that poverty also existed in a first-world country. Determined to make a difference, she began her journey in the service field by working at a nursing home, where she poured her heart into caring for the elderly, despite the challenges of managing a 14-person caseload.

Her compassion led her to LifeLinks, where she worked in a Self-Directed Team for eight years before transitioning to Fidelity House Human Services. There, she served for 14 years as Managing Director, overseeing employee training and ensuring that those living at Fidelity House were treated with dignity and respect. During her time at Fidelity House, Levenia became acutely aware of the struggles faced by single parents who were working multiple jobs, unable to balance their professional and family lives. Inspired by a heart to serve, she founded Dwelling House of Hope (DHOH) in 2014, beginning with a humble food distribution effort from the basement of her own home.

DHOH quickly grew from serving a small group to assisting over 200 families in Lowell and neighboring communities each week. In 2016, the food pantry expanded to its current location at 125 Mount Hope Street, with support from Dr. Arthur "Chip" Gonzales of Fusion Church. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Lowell’s Mayor Ed Kennedy, marked the official opening of DHOH’s first permanent facility.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, food insecurity skyrocketed, and DHOH's services became even more critical. The pantry's monthly clientele swelled from 400-500 families to over 900, with emergency food, baby supplies, gift cards, household goods, and personal protective equipment distributed to those in need. Levenia’s relentless efforts earned her the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Community Connector Award, along with recognition from the City of Lowell for her work supporting immigrants and refugees. Levenia has also been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the Greater Lowell Community Foundation's Community Connector Award, the "Heroes Among Us" recognition by the Boston Celtics, the Community Leaders Living the Dream MLK Award, the 19th Annual Commonwealth Heroines of Massachusetts Award, and several citations from the State’s office and the City of Lowell. With each recognition, she continues to inspire and transform lives across the Merrimack Valley. Levenia’s journey is one of resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting underserved communities—proving that one person can, and does, make a difference.

Today, DHOH serves an average of 23,500 individuals each month, distributing over 190,000 pounds of food. Nearly half of these clients are adults between the ages of 18 and 64, 40% are children, and 11% are seniors. DHOH partners with local churches and service organizations to ensure the community’s diverse and underserved populations are served, and it is continuously expanding to support unhoused individuals and families through outreach and food distribution.

Levenia’s leadership and impact extend far beyond DHOH. She is a founding board member and president of the Lowell African Cultural Association, which hosts the annual Lowell African Festival, and she is a certified foster care provider with the Department of Children and Families. Additionally, she is certified by the American Red Cross in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Response, and by ServSafe for food safety. Levenia is also a certified trainer for MA Alliance in Sober Housing, a COVID-19 compliance officer, and an appointed Commissioner on the City of Lowell Hunger and Homeless Commission.

Levenia’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others has earned her a prominent role in various coalitions and advisory boards, including the Greater Lowell Health Alliance’s Health Equity and Wellness Task Force, the Massachusetts State SNAP Coalition, and the Department of Mental Health’s Advisory Board. She has also been recognized as a US Federal Chaplain and an ordained minister.

Levenia Furusa is a true servant leader whose story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others. Her journey is a living example of how one individual can create lasting change, touching the lives of thousands in the Merrimack Valley and beyond.