Who We Are
Transforming Lives.
Serving Los Angeles through recovery, housing, education and empowerment for over 31 years.
Through housing, food distribution, education, job training, and community outreach, the Dream Center meets both practical and spiritual needs—restoring hope, rebuilding futures, and empowering people to live healthy, purpose-filled lives.
The story of the first 30 years of the Dream Center.
Pastor Tommy Barnett and his son Matthew Barnett start the Dream Center in Los Angeles to serve people affected by homelessness, addiction, hunger, and related needs.
The Dream Center purchased the former Queen of Angels Hospital campus in Echo Park.
Over the following years they began converting the campus into the Dream Center’s main facility.
Pastor Matthew’s and Caroline’s wedding.
Pastor Matthew and Pastor Tommy spend the night on skid row.
The Dream Center entered into a historic partnership with Angelus Temple, with Matthew Barnett serving as Senior Pastor while continuing to lead the Dream Center’s outreach efforts. A meaningful partnership that spanned 25 years.
The Dream Center model inspired other cities and led to a network of Dream Centers around the U.S. and internationally. By the 2010s the network was commonly reported as dozens of centers and tens of thousands served monthly.
Dream Center continued to scale community programs such as food banks, recovery residences, anti-trafficking shelter, medical outreaches, youth programs, job training, education
The Dream Center began redeveloping more of the Queen of Angels complex, enabling conversion of additional floors into housing and recovery residences.
Pastor Matthew ran 7 marathons in 7 consecutive days on 7 different continents!
The Dream Center celebrates its 25th year of ministry and serving Los Angeles.
The Covid-19 Pandemic didn’t stop the Dream Center. We continued to serve the Los Angeles community through all of our outreach programs.
The Dream Center celebrates its 30th year of ministry and serving Los Angeles.
Community relief efforts responding to local disasters such as Southern California fires and continued onsite program expansion.
Our Mission
We exist to help individuals and families break destructive cycles, overcome addiction, homelessness, food insecurity, domestic violence, and poverty.
The Dream Center is committed to empowering all people by providing immediate relief through the transforming love of Jesus.
Through our comprehensive programs and services, we impact over 45,000 individuals monthly, offering hope and support to those in need.
The impact is tangible…
I’ve been volunteering with the Dream Center for over a year, helping deliver groceries and essential supplies. The impact is tangible, and the relationships we build with the community remind me why service matters. It’s truly rewarding.
Anything is possible…
Before I came to the Dream Center, I struggled to find direction. Today, I’ve earned my diploma, secured a stable job, and feel ready to build a future I never thought was possible. The Dream Center showed me that my past doesn’t define me, and that with support, anything is possible.
My contributions help…
Supporting the Dream Center feels like investing directly in hope and change. Knowing my contributions help feed families, provide shelter, and create opportunities for growth brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
Life-changing…
Volunteering at the Dream Center has been life-changing. Seeing firsthand how a warm meal or a kind word can transform someone’s day has deepened my gratitude and sense of community. I leave every shift inspired.
Gave me guidance…
The Dream Center gave me guidance and mentorship when I aged out of the foster system. Their support with housing, job training, and life skills helped me step into adulthood with confidence. I am now pursuing my college degree and loving life.
I have a purpose…
Before coming to the Dream Center, I felt lost and hopeless. The Discipleship Recovery program not only helped me overcome my addiction, but also gave me the tools and community to rebuild my life. I finally feel like I have a purpose and a future.”
The Dream Center’s mission extends far beyond our main campus.
Through our partners, we’re empowering lives, building leaders, and strengthening communities every day.
The Dream Center Discipleship program is a free, year-long residential recovery journey that helps men and women overcome addiction, abuse, and life-controlling issues.
Inspired visitors have helped establish Dream Centers worldwide. Today, 84 centers in 29 states and 8 countries continue to serve communities and expand each year.
DC Fitness is a modern gym dedicated to transforming body, mind, and spirit. Part of the proceeds support the Dream Center’s residential and outreach programs in Los Angeles.
Since 2005, DCLS has trained young leaders in gospel-centered service. Graduates go on to impact communities and shape culture through faith and action.
