Who can stay at Carpenter’s Shelter?

Carpenter’s Shelter provides emergency shelter to families and single adults whom have become homeless in Alexandria.  Individuals and families from outside of the city are admitted on a case-by-case basis depending on beds available in the shelter.

What happens to families when they leave Carpenter’s Shelter?

Typically, when individuals or families leave the shelter they move into public housing, section 8 housing, market rate housing, rooming situations for singles, or transitional housing programs (ours or other agencies’).  Affordable housing is increasingly difficult to secure because of growing demand in light of the recession.

Where do all the people go during the day?

As an agency focused on empowering individuals to be self-reliant, independent community members, Carpenter’s Shelter requires that all adults leave the shelter daily to work or seek employment.  To assist residents in their job search, Carpenter’s Shelter provides individual job mentoring, assistance with resume and cover-letter writing, computer training, and a comprehensive life skills course.   Once residents procure employment, they are required to save 70% of their income in an escrow account for future housing.

How can I make a difference?

You can make a difference with your dollars, your time, or your voice.  Please consider making a financial contribution to Carpenter’s Shelter where 83% of every dollar you donate will go directly to life-changing, award-winning services dedicated to ending and preventing homelessness.  Carpenter’s Shelter could not operate without our volunteers.  Please consider joining the dynamic community of over 1,000 volunteers that together support the shelter 365 days of the year from 7am-11pm.  Communities change when people are concerned, informed and involved. Please consider spreading the word about Carpenter’s Shelter by sharing the how Carpenter’s Shelter is proactively working to end homelessness with your family, friends and faith-based community.

Why are people homeless?

People do not become homeless overnight.  Generally a series of events escalate to the point that an individual or family can no longer maintain their home.  Factors can include, but are not limited to: poverty, little formal education, underemployment, substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, unplanned pregnancy, family disputes, or lack of essential life skills such as parenting or budgeting.  It is critical to remember that many of these factors touch the scope of the economic ladder—homelessness can happen to anyone.

How long do people stay at Carpenter’s Shelter?

Carpenter’s Shelter does not have a prescribed length of stay for residents; they are encouraged to stay until they acquire the skills and savings necessary to become independent community members.   On average, single adults stay for 4-6 months and families stay for 8-10 months.  In light of the economic recession and increased competition for jobs and affordable housing, residents are staying for longer periods of time.

What are your operating expenses?

Carpenter’s Shelter’s FY2012 budget is approximately 2 million dollars.

Why are you named “Carpenter’s Shelter”?

There are several  stories behind the name, ranging from “Jesus, the Carpenter” to sharing the name with Carpenter’s Lodgings, another agency  site, under whose  non-profit charter we operated under for two years before incorporating in 1990.

What kind of donations do you accept?

Carpenter’s Shelter gladly welcomes financial and in-kind donations.  Visit our donate page to learn more about financial giving.  We regularly accept unused toiletries, twin-sized linens, and non-perishable foods.  Due to space constraints, however, we cannot accept toys or clothing.  Please consider contributing to our partners Christ House and Goodwill, both of which provide clothing for our clients.