Alexandria’s Rebuilds Lives

Since its inception, Carpenter's Shelter has become a leader in finding solutions to prevent and ultimately end homelessness. The shelter's comprehensive services meet the immediate needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The shelter offers a continuum of essential support programs, which allow clients to work toward permanent homes. The shelter is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, serving more than 600 children and adults yearly.

Carpenter's case management staff worked closely with one such resident named Omar, who achieved his goal of permanent housing.

"Initially, the thing I liked the most, after being homeless for so long, was having a mattress to sleep on," he says in an interview published on the Carpenter's Shelter website. "As time went on, I started to realize once I secured housing, I could go on to pursue my dream of earning my degree in engineering. I'm now very grateful for the stability and having my own place!"

More Resources to Help

Carpenter's Shelter endeavors to reach more and help more. In 2020, the organization completed the extensive "New Heights" redevelopment of their property, including a purpose-built emergency residential shelter called David's Place, ten permanent supportive housing units and 87 affordable housing units owned and managed by their partner, the Alexandria Housing Development Corporation. The new building will provide the infrastructure for Carpenter's Shelter to meet community needs for decades to come.

Case managers are assigned to clients to compassionately guide them toward resources and services to help get residents back on their feet. Even after residents leave the shelter, they still have access to funded programs to ensure they are on the best trajectory as they transition to their new homes.

"I love what Carpenter's Shelter stands for," says Marlene Clement, an Alexandria resident and volunteer with the organization, impressed by the myriad of services available. "It's a fullservice shelter that gives the whole enchilada!"

Ways to Serve

Carpenter's Shelter is a community-driven organization that depends heavily on support from its neighbors. Volunteering is one way to support the shelter. Over 1,200 people serve in one way or another.

"The great thing about volunteering with the shelter is our volunteers get complete autonomy regarding how often they volunteer," Smith said. "Volunteering is a great way to not only give back to the community but also to give something to yourself — that feeling of helping someone."

Carpenter's Shelter provides a multitude of ways for volunteers to get involved. The shelter always needs support, from serving meals to families and engaging with children to working at the front desk.

"I like helping people. I love seeing another human being in a good space," says Clement, a contract vendor relations manager who has volunteered extensively with Carpenter's Shelter since 2009. "You can change a person's life at that moment just by being kind to them."

In addition to serving at the shelter, people can support the shelter by providing donations. Fundraising is the primary way Carpenter's Shelter reaches its annual budget.

Family Shelter

Carpenter's Shelter believes no child deserves to be homeless. Every action the 501(C)3 non-profit takes aims to strengthen homeless families to live successfully in the community, out of poverty and as productive community members.

While living in the shelter, children are encouraged to continue being children. From 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, all children attend school or daycare. Many children participate

I was able to have a safe place to have shelter and I was able to concentrate on the next steps. I'm back on track— and I have Carpenter's Shelter and the people of Alexandria to thank for this."

Community Partners

Carpenter's Shelter is fortunate to partner with generous community businesses to support its mission. Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant and Bar is one of many businesses that give back to the community through the shelter.

"O'Connell's has been a huge supporter and advocate for the shelter," Smith says. "They have been extremely supportive of our efforts to end homelessness in our community."

As Carpenter's Shelter celebrates its 35th anniversary in Alexandria, staff assures they will continue to offer help to change lives for the positive.

in after-school care. Volunteers facilitate children's activities each night while their parents attend programs like parenting and financial literacy classes. Carpenter's Shelter works diligently to ensure every child is given the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their housing situation.

"I'd never been through this process, so I didn't know what to expect," says shelter resident Ronshetta Martin, who moved to Carpenter's Shelter with her elementary schoolage daughter. "It was very safe, very warm [and] welcoming. They were respectful and tried to make you feel at home." Martin spoke about the organization in a video interview on the Carpenter's Shelter website.

Changing Lives, One at a Time

Brent Richards became homeless after being released from prison for a white-collar crime. Starting over with no ID or safety net made re-establishing his life challenging.

"Carpenter's Shelter is an extremely worthwhile organization," says Richards. "It made a difference because

"The beautiful thing about Carpenter['s] Shelter," says Smith, "is we truly do provide a comprehensive set of solutions to all the issues that cause homelessness."

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit www.carpentersshelter.org/volunteer

To raise additional funds and awareness for VIP's Go Red for Women fundraiser, Ten Thousand Villages kindly hosted a Galentine's Day event with 10% of sales being donated to the DC Chapter of the American Heart Association. Guests were treated to wine by Wine Gallery 108 as the manager of the store and 2023 "VIP Red Lady," Kate McMahon, shared the Ten Thousand Village's fair trade mission.

“I think people know that we’re a global maker-to-market [organization], but I don’t think people often know that we’re a non-profit. We carry the name Ten Thousand Villages because we want to support our artisans. We’re a part of that network and incredibly proud to be part of it.” - Kate

McMahon