Shocking Abuse and Bias at The Door Is Open: A Call for Accountability in Vancouver’s Catholic Outreach
A disturbing incident has raised serious concerns about the conduct and accountability of staff at The Door Is Open, a Catholic outreach located at 255 Dunlevy Avenue in Vancouver. The facility, which operates under the Archdiocese of Vancouver, is intended to serve the poor and homeless. Yet according to multiple witnesses, a volunteer, Mr. Johnny Zakharia, was physically assaulted and verbally abused while serving there — and then mistreated by staff when he sought help.
An Assault Ignored
On October 19, 2025, Mr. Zakharia, a long-time Catholic volunteer with over a decade of experience assisting charitable organizations across North America, was reportedly assaulted by a visitor after asking her to wait her turn in line for donations.
The aggressor, instead of being restrained or removed, verbally attacked him with racist and demeaning language and physically shoved him in front of other guests.
When Mr. Zakharia turned to staff member Gwen Coleman for assistance, she allegedly responded with hostility, telling him to “be nice to her,” rather than protecting the volunteer or enforcing basic safety protocol. Witnesses report that Ms. Coleman later made disparaging remarks about Mr. Zakharia to other staff and volunteers.
A Culture of Bias
This incident has sparked wider concern about gender bias within The Door Is Open. On the organization’s own website, the “Volunteer Appreciation” page (link here) lists only female volunteers, raising questions about whether male contributors are being systematically excluded or undervalued.
Mr. Zakharia, who holds reference letters from Catholic Charities of Los Angeles and Blessed Sacrament Social Services for his service to the poor and homeless, expressed dismay that a Catholic organization would allow such conduct to persist. “Any Catholic or charitable organization should protect its volunteers from violence and discrimination,” he said. “No one should be assaulted, ignored, or slandered because of gender bias or ideology.”
Catholic Duty and Accountability
Other Catholic social programs across North America maintain clear policies ensuring that volunteers are treated with dignity and safeguarded from harassment or violence.
That The Door Is Open reportedly failed to act decisively — or even thank the volunteer for his service — raises troubling questions about management oversight under Sr. Chita Torres, Carm.O.L., the current director.
The Archdiocese of Vancouver must now demonstrate moral leadership by ensuring that The Door Is Open operates according to Catholic social teaching — not ideology or personal bias.
A Call to Action
CatholicNews.ca calls upon all concerned Catholics, volunteers, and members of the public to take the following steps:
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File complaints directly with the Archdiocese of Vancouver to demand a transparent investigation into The Door Is Open’s culture and management.
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Archdiocese General Contact: development@rcav.org
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Safe Environment / Misconduct Reports: [email protected] or [email protected]
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Executive Office: rcavbishop@rcav.org
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Report any assaults or threats immediately to law enforcement and reference Section 265 of the Criminal Code of Canada, which clearly defines assault as any unwanted application of force.
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File a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal if you experience discrimination, bias, or harassment while volunteering in a Catholic or public charitable institution.
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Hold Catholic institutions accountable to the same standard of justice and compassion that they preach — including protection for men, women, and all who serve the Church.
Standing for Justice
Mr. Zakharia has confirmed that he is pursuing formal remedies, including legal and human-rights action, and has called upon the Archdiocese to preserve video footage from the day of the assault. His courage to speak up shines light on a broader issue: the misuse of authority, unchecked bias, and the silencing of male volunteers in certain Church-run programs.
Charity must never become a shield for abuse or discrimination. CatholicNews.ca will continue to follow this story closely as developments unfold.
By CatholicNews.ca Staff Report
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