The people we serve at Carpenter’s Shelter are like everyone – they have hopes and dreams, and they have challenges to overcome. The root causes of homelessness are as varied as the clients we serve including: the current economic climate, poverty, lack of formal education, domestic abuse, mental illness and substance abuse. We are proud of our clients’ accomplishments, and as such, we routinely spotlight their successes. In order to protect our clients’ privacy, safety and confidentiality, their names have been changed and any revealing details removed from their stories.

L.B.’s story:

L.B. is a 46-year-old David’s Place Day Shelter member who chose to take full advantage of the life-changing opportunities David’s Place program had to offer. After many years of living on the streets of Alexandria and accessing David’s Place for his basic needs, L.B. entered the city’s detox program. After completing the program, L.B. became a Carpenter’s resident to continue his progress to self-sufficiency. L.B. now works for the City of Alexandria and has remained drug and alcohol free. L.B. was recently presented with an award at an agency picnic to honor his efforts. He stated, “I’m grateful for all the help that I received from David’s Place and the staff…hopefully I can stay on this path.”

Young family story:

The Young family came into our Residential Shelter last winter after Dad—a veteran—had lost his job in their hometown. They moved north into the Northern Virginia metro area to look for better economic possibilities, but found themselves unable to provide safe, affordable housing. Mom, Dad, and their three young daughters stayed in our Residential Shelter for five months while reestablishing their financial stability. Both Mom and Dad got part-time jobs on staggered shifts so that one of them would always be around for the girls. To help them transition back into the community, Carpenter’s Shelter partnered with a local nonprofit transitional housing provider, which later helped Mom find a full time job. After graduating from the Shelter, Mom and Dad joined the Aftercare program. Moreover, not only are the girls all enrolled in school or HeadStart, Dad has also chosen to go back to school to study Information Technology!

Monica and her family story:

Several years ago, homelessness was a foreign word to Monica C. Everything in her life seemed perfect until her husband left her. Suddenly, Monica was raising her 13 year-old son, Joshua, by herself. Though she worked long hours at two jobs to support her family, Monica was unprepared to handle the financial repercussions of being a single mom. Unable to make ends meet, she and Joshua were eventually evicted from their apartment. With nowhere else to turn, the family sought the help of Carpenter’s Shelter, which they called “home” for the next seven months.

While living at Carpenter’s, Monica maintained her employment, provided a safe environment for Joshua and saved money for her future housing. Her hard work ethic and willingness to improve her family’s quality of life made her eligible for Carpenter’s transitional housing. Last December, Monica and Joshua moved into one of Carpenter’s transitional apartments. Until September, Monica was closing in on her goals of continuing her education and eventually buying her own home.

Then the banking crisis changed the world. Monica’s hours as a front line worker at a dry cleaner were cut. Now, she reports to work five days a week, but is usually sent home early and paid only for the hours she is allowed to work. While she has not yet incurred any additional debt, she wonders when she’ll ever pay off her existing debts. Monica’s bright dream of independent living dims every day.

Despite the family’s situation, Joshua excels in school with the aid of a shelter-donated computer. He also helps his mother with household work, which she greatly appreciates. Carpenter’s case managers continue to work with the family on a weekly basis, supporting them with hope and resources so that they do not return to homelessness.

Roberta’s story:

In late 2004 Roberta found herself in a critical situation. She had a steady job and two children but her home life was plagued with physical and emotional abuse. She was faced with a trade-off that too many women are forced to face, whether to remain in an abusive home or choose homelessness. According to 2004 survey by the American Civil Liberties Union, 46% of homeless women interviewed stated that they had previously remained in an abusive relationship because they had nowhere else to go. Luckily for Roberta and her children, she had the strength to leave her abusive partner and sought refuge at the Carpenter’s Shelter. She was immediately connected to services, which helped to maintain her employment, offered a safe environment for her children and exposed her to new life-enhancing opportunities.

Carpenter’s believes that education is the key to self-sufficiency. Our Education Fund provides the means to help families improve their quality of life. While residing at Carpenter’s, Roberta expressed an early interest in continuing her academic career. During her seven month stay at the shelter, she remained steadfast to her commitment to stabilize her situation. As a result she was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from Carpenter’s Shelter’s Education Fund. Her scholarship allowed her to complete an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. She now lives in Fredericksburg with her children and is very successfully working in the community as an Accounting Technician. Roberta has since returned to school and is now focusing on completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.