The Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Program is the nation’s largest fundraising effort focused on homelessness. The walkathon helps to raise awareness about homelessness and supports organizations whose mission is to end and prevent homelessness in their communities.

Last year, thanks to our caring community of supporters, nearly 500 walkers helped to raise $25,000 for Carpenter’s Shelter. This year, with your support, we hope to increase that amount by an additional $15,000. These critical funds will make a lasting difference in the lives of hundreds of homeless children and families as they reclaim their lives and transition to stable, independent living.

One hundred percent of all registration fees, donations and additional funds raised through this program go directly to supporting Carpenter’s Shelter. In addition, Fannie Mae offers an incentive for recruiting more walkers. The more supporters who walk for Carpenter’s Shelter, the more Fannie Mae will donate toward Carpenter’s Shelter’s programs.

Make an impact

• Participate in Carpenter’s Shelter Community Walk
• Register to walk on the national mall
• Sponsor a client to walk
• Sign-up to host a mini-walk in your community
  

View our photos from last year’s Help the Homeless Walkathons

Nearly 50 children participated in this year's picnic filling the day with smiles and laughter

On a scorching hot Saturday afternoon in mid July, more than 90 children and adults came together at Carpenter’s Shelter annual Aftercare picnic to celebrate their progress in the program.  This year’s theme: “Financial literacy is financial freedom”.

Our Aftercare program works with our formerly homeless families by providing support and resources to prevent a family from returning to homelessness.  Monthly Aftercare clients attend life-skill classes and offer each other support.

While the common denominator was that they all once lived at Carpenter’s Shelter, the overwhelming spirit of the picnic was one of accomplishment and hope.  Families now living throughout the region, celebrated another year of successful community living.  This fun-filled day included children’s games, sports, a watermelon-eating contest, face painting, and yummy treats. Many thanks to PBS for making this magical day possible.

To view more pictures of this fun-filled day please visit our slide show.

Gov. McDonnell spends time with staff discussing the best practices of Carpenter Shelter's programs

Governor McDonnell returned to Carpenter’s Shelter on July 27th  following his pre-inaugural visit this past January to make a special presentation to the residents and staff of Carpenter’s Shelter. Governor McDonnell presented Executive Director Lissette Bishins with a generous contribution derived from funds left over from the inaugural fund. “During my last visit, I was so impressed with Carpenter’s programs and the many stories of faith, encouragement and perseverance,” said Governor McDonnell.  “Without a stable living environment, everything else is so much less important. Because of the support Carpenter’s Shelter provides, clients are able to turn things around and get back on their feet.”

Carpenter’s Shelter staff enjoyed an intimate dialogue with Governor McDonnell highlighting the success of our Aftercare program, which is successfully preventing a return to homelessness for 90% of shelter graduates. He also observed an Out of Poverty workshop, a program designed to change individuals’ attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate poverty, conducted for chronically homeless adults in our David’s Place day shelter program. The Governor also commended Lissette  Bishins for her new and enthusiastic leadership and the caring community which allows Carpenter’s Shelter to be alive and well.

Please view our slide show to see more images of the Governor’s visit.

Mayor Euille speaks at the shelter renovation kick-off celebration

Thanks to HomeAid and Builder Captain EYA, Carpenter’s Shelter Center of Learning will be renovated to provide classrooms and counseling rooms in its existing facility located at 930 N. Henry Street.  The renovation is expected to be complete by June, 2010.

“This is a long-held dream come true,” said Carpenter’s Shelter Executive Director Fran Becker at an April 1st gathering that included Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille and other supporters.  “We’re so appreciative of our partnership with HomeAid and EYA which will give us the tools and space we need to fulfill our mission as teachers.  Every day we work to create self-sufficiency for our homeless and formerly homeless children, families and adults.”   Fran also thanked other project partners including Rust/Orling Architecture and Commercial Carpets of America for their pro bono contributions.

“Carpenter’s Shelter is a catalyst for positive change in people’s lives,” said HomeAid Northern Virginia Executive Director Christy Eaton. “We are proud to support their work and are grateful to EYA for making it happen!”

Carpenter’s Shelter is pleased to announce that we have been selected to be featured in the 2009/10 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington. Carpenter’s is one of sixty-eight exceptional nonprofits chosen this year from a field of over 250 applicants. Now in its seventh year, the Catalogue selects and showcases charities with budgets below $3 million based on standards of excellence, innovation, cost-effectiveness and financial transparency. According to Barbara Harman, Executive Director of the Harman Family Foundation and President of the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, “The Catalogue is designed to be a showcase for high impact, DC-region non-profits, and an inviting way for individuals and families to participate in charitable giving. In the midst of the worst economic downturn we have seen in decades, supporting these organizations  which make a big difference in the lives of people throughout our community. “

If you would like to request a catalogue please visit the Catalogue for Philanthropy and look for the “request a catalogue” button.

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