Carpenter's Shelter

What Carpenter's Shelter does

Carpenter's Shelter Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services organization headquartered at the Hoffman Center, 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria, Virginia. Founded in 1988, the organization operates a full continuum of homelessness services including residential emergency shelter (one of the largest in Northern Virginia, serving approximately 270 children, women, and men annually), rapid re-housing, David's Place day shelter, winter shelter, case management, education and employment services (including the Lee Fifer Jr. Educational Scholarships program, which awarded $25,000 in the past year), family services, Carpenter's Clinic (free weekly medical exams and mental health services provided by volunteer clinicians), and permanent supportive housing. Across all programs, the organization supports 980+ families and individuals annually in the Alexandria area. The core operating methodology is Housing First combined with trauma-informed, client-centered case management, delivered through coordinated entry partnerships with local housing authorities and a network of landlord relationships for housing placement.

The organization's revenue model is entirely donor- and grant-funded, with no fees charged to clients. Funding streams include individual donations (including a recurring monthly "Shelter Helpers" program), corporate sponsorships (multi-tier structures for events like the annual Cook-Off), workplace giving through United Way (#8228) and Combined Federal Campaign (#87293), stock and mutual fund gifts (processed via Morgan Stanley DTC 0015), planned giving/bequests, in-kind contributions, and government grants including Virginia Housing Solutions Program, ESG, and Continuum of Care funding. The marketing and fundraising motion is event-driven, with the annual Carpenter's Cook-Off (scheduled for October 19, 2025 at The Birchmere) and Luxury Swag Bingo serving as flagship community engagement channels, complemented by website, email, Facebook, and earned media. Major corporate partners include Amazon, Virginia Housing, Inova, Morgan Stanley, PCSI, and Passport as Top Chef-level Cook-Off sponsors.

Carpenter's Shelter is governed by a 17-member Board of Directors chaired by Jonathan Wolcott (Holland & Knight), with leadership including Interim Executive Director Wanda Pierce, Deputy Director Trinette Hawkins-Coleman, Director of Development Monise W. Quidley, and Senior Director of Programs Debra Truchon. The organization holds a Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating and GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, indicating strong nonprofit governance and financial accountability standards. Its sub-brands include New Heights (sustainable independence program), David's Place (day shelter), Carpenter's Clinic (medical services), and The Hoffman Center (administrative and main shelter facility).

Name

Carpenter's Shelter

Legal name

Carpenter's Shelter Inc.

Website

https://carpentersshelter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Carpenter's Shelter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Alexandria, Virginia providing emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, day shelter, medical clinic, and permanent supportive housing services to 980+ individuals and families experiencing homelessness annually in Northern Virginia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeless and Housing Services

NAICS

Temporary Shelters (624221), Community Housing Services (62422), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB), Emergency Shelter, NFIs & Winterization for Displaced Populations (BPADAHAG)

Keywords

• Homeless shelter services
• Emergency housing assistance
• Rapid rehousing programs
• Permanent supportive housing
• Case management services

Headquarters

HQ city

Alexandria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individual donors supporting shelter operations and programs. Monthly giving program 'Shelter Helpers' offers sustained support.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships for events like Cook-Off and general shelter operations. Sponsorship tiers include Top Chef, Sous Chef, Sommelier, Maitre D', and Foodie levels.
3. Workplace Giving: Workplace giving through United Way (#8228) and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #87293) allowing employees to contribute through payroll deductions.
4. Stock Gifts: Donations of stocks and mutual funds. Provides donors tax benefits including potential income tax deduction for full market value and elimination of capital gains tax. Morgan Stanley DTC: 0015, FBO Account #: 925-115671.
5. Planned Giving: Bequests by will allowing donors to include Carpenter's Shelter in estate planning.
6. In-Kind Donations: Nonperishable food items, clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other in-kind contributions supporting shelter operations.
7. Government Grants: Funding from government sources including Virginia Housing Solutions Program for housing assistance, Rapid Rehousing, and ESG/CoC programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Carpenter's Shelter delivers a comprehensive continuum of homeless services in Alexandria, Virginia, including overnight residential emergency shelter, rapid re-housing placement, day shelter (David's Place), seasonal winter shelter, case management, education and employment coaching, family services, free medical and mental-health care (Carpenter's Clinic), and permanent supportive housing. All services are provided free of charge to clients and funded through charitable donations, corporate sponsorships, workplace giving, stock gifts, planned giving, in-kind contributions, and government grants.

Product overview

Carpenter's Shelter is a homeless shelter and housing services organization, not a technology company. The organization offers a portfolio of social service programs including residential emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, day shelter (David's Place), winter shelter, case management, education and employment services, family services, mental health services (Carpenter's Clinic), and permanent supportive housing. These programs work together to support people experiencing homelessness in achieving sustainable independence through shelter, housing placement, guidance, education, and advocacy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• New Heights: A program under Carpenter's Shelter focused on helping clients achieve sustainable independence.
• David's Place
• Carpenter's Clinic
• The Hoffman Center

Products and services

• Residential Emergency Shelters Overnight emergency shelter for approximately 270 children, women, and men experiencing homelessness each year, providing a safe place to sleep and basic services. One of the largest homeless shelters in Northern Virginia.
• Rapid Re-Housing Program that moves families and individuals as quickly as possible from homelessness to stable, independent, affordable housing through housing placement and financial assistance such as security deposits and first months' rent.
• David's Place Day Shelter Day shelter meeting the basic needs of adults experiencing unsheltered homelessness, providing hot showers, laundry, mail forwarding, phone/voicemail services, snacks, and referrals. Open Monday through Saturday 7am–9am.
• Winter Shelter Seasonal emergency shelter program providing a warm, safe place to sleep for adults experiencing homelessness during harsh winter weather.
• Case Management Housing-focused case management providing guidance, support, and referrals to help clients achieve sustainable independence and transition to permanent housing.
• Education and Employment Services Employment workshops on resume building, job searching, interviewing, on-the-job skills, communication, and problem-solving, plus job coaching to help residents increase employability and thrive in the community.
• Lee Fifer Jr. Educational Scholarships Scholarship program awarding funds to current and former shelter residents for technical degrees, certifications, college tuition, and ESL classes; $25,000 awarded in the past year.
• Family Services Support services specifically designed for families with children experiencing homelessness, helping them find stable housing and achieve self-sufficiency.
• Carpenter's Clinic & Mental Health Services Free weekly medical exams and prescriptions provided by volunteer doctors and nurses, plus mental health services including therapy sessions for shelter clients.
• Permanent Supportive Housing Long-term housing program providing stable, sustainable housing with supportive services for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness or disabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 270 children, women, and men served annually in residential shelter program
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• AmazonflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTop Chef Sponsor for Carpenter's Cook-Off 2025. Major corporate sponsor supporting annual fundraising event.
• PassportflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTop Chef Sponsor for Carpenter's Cook-Off 2025. Major corporate sponsor supporting annual fundraising event.
• PCSIflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTop Chef Sponsor for Carpenter's Cook-Off 2025. Major corporate sponsor supporting annual fundraising event.
• Virginia HousingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSommelier Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025. Provides Virginia Housing Solutions Program funding for rapid rehousing assistance including security deposits and first months rent for shelter clients.
• InovacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaitre D' Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025. Health system partner supporting shelter operations and community health initiatives.
• United WaycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWorkplace giving partner (#8228). Enables employees to contribute through payroll deductions via United Way workplace giving campaigns.
• Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFederal employee workplace giving partner (#87293). Enables federal employees to support shelter through payroll deductions.
• LM ManagementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMaitre D' Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• ModeraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMaitre D' Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• Whiting TurnerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMaitre D' Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• ZebraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMaitre D' Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• AUBminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMaitre D' Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• Brainseed TestingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodie Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• DeepsightminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodie Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• Goodhart GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodie Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• John Marshall BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodie Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• Nauticon Office SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodie Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• NexusDirectminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodie Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• The Russell GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodie Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• Alex and Anh Nguyen State FarmminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodie Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• The UPS StoreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoodie Sponsor for Cook-Off 2025.
• Blessed Sacrament ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal founding church in 1982 where Father Tony Casey first opened the church basement to homeless individuals. Historical founding partner.
• Coordinated Entry SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinated entry partnerships with local housing authorities, community providers, and internal case management teams to prioritize and facilitate housing placements.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• National Alliance to End Homelessness: National policy and advocacy organization focused on preventing and ending homelessness in the U.S. Comparable as an ecosystem participant shaping federal funding frameworks (ESG, CoC) that directly affect Carpenter's Shelter's grant pipeline, rather than as a direct service competitor.

Direct peers

• Community of Hope: Washington, DC-based nonprofit combining housing, family services, and on-site health services for families experiencing homelessness. Comparable due to its integration of shelter, case management, and healthcare delivery under one organizational umbrella, mirroring Carpenter's Clinic and family services.
• Shelter House: Fairfax County, VA-based nonprofit providing emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, and permanent supportive housing. Comparable as a Northern Virginia peer with an integrated service model targeting the same regional homeless population and similar Housing First approach.
• New Hope Housing: Alexandria, VA-based nonprofit operating multiple emergency shelters, supportive housing, and hypothermia prevention programs. Directly comparable as a same-jurisdiction peer delivering a similar continuum of shelter-to-housing services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• N Street Village: Washington, DC-based nonprofit providing day services, emergency shelter, and permanent supportive housing specifically for women experiencing homelessness. Comparable for its combined day-services-plus-housing model serving a defined subpopulation in the same DC metro region.
• Thrive DC: Washington, DC-based nonprofit providing day services including showers, meals, mail services, and case management to individuals experiencing homelessness. Comparable for its day-center model (similar to David's Place) serving unsheltered adults in an adjacent jurisdiction.
• Northern Virginia Family Service: Northern Virginia-based nonprofit offering housing stability services, family support, and financial assistance to households at risk of homelessness. Comparable as a regional peer operating housing navigation and stabilization programs for families in the same service geography.
• United Community (formerly United Community Ministries): Alexandria, VA-based nonprofit providing emergency assistance, housing support, and case management to low-income households. Comparable as a same-city peer delivering housing stabilization and emergency financial assistance to households at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
• Friendship Place: Washington, DC-based nonprofit offering emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing using Housing First principles. Comparable as a regional peer operating a similar shelter-to-permanent-housing continuum in the adjacent DC metro market.

Broad incumbents

• Catholic Charities USA: National umbrella organization operating one of the largest networks of homeless shelters and housing programs in the U.S. Comparable as a larger-scale, broadly diversified incumbent in the same community-housing and social services space, though not focused on a single region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/carpentersshelter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1387564

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Carpenter's Shelter