Doorways
The Challenge
Founded in 1988 as an interfaith non-profit. DOORWAYS provides housing support services for those whose quality of life has been affected by HIV and AIDS. DOORWAYS quickly identified that their fastest growing program was emergency housing and they would need to accommodate this growing demand.
In October 2022, DOORWAYS completed phase one of their expansion. A 35,000 sq. ft. multi-story wing that provides 50 units of emergency housing for up to 112 people a night in one and two bedroom units. A 20,000 sq. ft. client services, programming, and administrative facility were also built on the same three acres in North St. Louis City. Outfitted with private client intake rooms, kitchenettes, a volunteer center, and admin offices; Doorways knew the previous "church mentality" that security was easier to do without would no longer be an option.
The Solution
Will Electronics proposed and designed a Genetec system that would allow DOORWAYS to federate into the St. Louis Real Time Crime Center. 60 Axis cameras were installed on the exterior and interior of the new admin and housing buildings. As part of Genetec Security Center, these cameras are able to connect to the St. Louis City Police Dept. Real Time Crime Center. "One more reason to justify the expense" said Todd Garten. As this connection to RTCC made Doorways and their clients "feel more protected by being tied into Real Time Crime Center." Will Electronics installed IP based Genetec Synergis on 42 doors, each equipped with Schlage readers and a mix of wireless and wired locks.
Client's Perspective
"DOORWAYS is an affordable housing agency. The addition of security systems has helped our clients and staff feel protected. Knowing cameras are monitoring the property inside and outside offers a safer and more secure place to live and work."