Harambee Ministries

Harambee Ministries is a loving and empowering environment for students, staff, families and community members in Northwest Pasadena. We aim to educate, empower, disciple and grow Christian leaders who will uplift and effect positive, sustainable change in their families, our community and beyond.

The mission of Harambee Ministries is to provide quality Christian education, affordable housing, and employment opportunities for students, staff, families and community members.

When Harambee was founded in 1982, our community in Northwest Pasadena had the highest daytime crime rate in Southern California. Led by our founder, Dr. John Perkins, we moved into the community to love, serve and become friends with our neighbors. Dr. Perkins moved into “blood corner”, the street where the most daytime shootings occurred at the time. We are known in Pasadena as the people who bought the houses out from under the drug dealers. The place which was notorious for crime and poverty is now a place where children and families can reach for a better future and attain it.