A Letter from Our Founder

As the global pandemic continued throughout 2021, the mission of Shelters to Shutters became that much more critical.

Millions of Americans struggled to make ends meet. Businesses were not spared. While the recovery in employment has been robust, there remain many struggling to recover. This is where Shelters to Shutters engages, providing life-changing career and housing opportunities while providing overlooked talent to meet the growing demand of our real estate operating partners.

For Shelters to Shutters, this past year has been a major turning point. We have begun the execution of our strategic plan to scale our organization nationally by focusing locally. We added five executive directors to lead our efforts in our existing markets. In 2022, Shelters to Shutters will launch in Orlando, Phoenix, and Charleston with the goal of two additional cities by year’s end, each also with highly talented and capable executive directors. To support and guide our vision of growth across the country, we have added six new diverse national board members. I could not be prouder and more excited for the progress we have made, and ready for exponential growth as our model has taken hold.

In 2022, we are adding a robust, career-training program to better prepare our candidates for a renewed career, along with improved mentoring services to ensure better opportunity for success. We are strengthening our local partnerships and roots in the community, and by doing so, we are positioned to scale our organization to create more impact.

Thank you for your partnership in our vision and mission for Shelters to Shutters. It is an exciting time to embrace our mission, and I look forward to seeing how many lives we can change for the better together as we continue on this journey.

“I AM NOW IN A CAREER THAT I LOVE, A HOME OF MY OWN, AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME, I AM EXCITED FOR WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR ME.”

— Shannon S., Leasing Consultant, Freeman Webb, Nashville

Shannon, like many in our country, fell on difficult times this past year and found herself in need of assistance to get back on her feet. She took the first step by going to The Salvation Army in Nashville. It was there that Shannon’s case manager recognized her skillset and work ethic as a good fit for Shelters to Shutters. Shannon applied and was accepted into our program. A few weeks later, Shannon eagerly accepted a full-time employment offer and began working for Shelters to Shutters’ industry partner, Freeman Webb. We then assisted her move into her own apartment at a Freeman Webb complex. Through our national partnership with CORT, Shannon received furniture and a home essentials kit to make her new place to live a home where she can thrive.

Shannon is just one of many success stories that Shelters to Shutters, in collaboration with our partners, has the privilege to be a part of every month. Congratulations, Shannon!

MURAD, MAINTENANCE TECH, IMT RESIDENTIAL, HOUSTON