Shelter Partnership

What Shelter Partnership does

Shelter Partnership, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1985 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with a secondary 108,000-square-foot warehouse in LA County that houses the S. Mark Taper Foundation Shelter Resource Bank. Its primary operational product is a warehouse-based product donation distribution program that acquires new-surplus goods from corporations (including Fortune 500 firms such as Bank of America and Hanes) and redistributes them at no cost to a network of 600+ community partner agencies, schools, and healthcare providers serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty across LA County. Since 1989 the program has distributed over $340 million in donated products, with FY2024 representing a record $18 million in throughput to roughly 277 partner agencies.

Beyond physical goods distribution, Shelter Partnership runs a Policy and Planning Technical Assistance practice that provides housing-policy analysis and grant-writing support to community-based organizations and local government, and has helped partners secure over $1 billion in federal funds plus specific wins such as $241M for veteran housing developments and a $60M federal grant (the highest nationally at the time) for unsheltered homelessness. Revenue is generated through a mixed model: annual fundraising campaigns, an Annual Gala and luncheon events, corporate and foundation grants, city and county government grants, and - beginning January 2025 - a new tiered Annual Partner Handling Fee ($500-$5,000/year) charged to partner agencies. In 2025 the organization joined the Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) family of nonprofits, opening a structural expansion pathway into CPLC's 8-state Southwestern footprint. The organization is led by Executive Director Jan Perry (former LA City Councilmember) with a board chaired by Andres Contreras of CPLC, and holds a 4-star Charity Navigator rating alongside GuideStar and Great Nonprofits credentials.

There is no proprietary technology platform underpinning operations; the "product" is fundamentally a logistics, advocacy, and grant-capture service delivered through physical infrastructure, volunteer labor (500+ annually), and a small professional staff of 11-50 employees.

Name

Shelter Partnership

Legal name

Shelter Partnership, Inc.

Website

https://shelterpartnership.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Shelter Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1985 in Los Angeles that redistributes surplus corporate product donations at no cost through its 108,000-square-foot S. Mark Taper Foundation Shelter Resource Bank warehouse to 600+ partner agencies serving people experiencing homelessness across LA County, while also providing housing-policy technical assistance that has helped partners secure over $1 billion in federal funds.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeless and Social Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

Keywords

• Homeless services distribution
• Product donation logistics
• Affordable housing policy
• Nonprofit human services
• Homelessness advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Fundraising Campaigns: Private sector fundraising through annual campaigns supporting organizational operations
2. Annual Gala: Annual Dinner/Gala fundraising event, typically raising $200,000+ per event
3. Corporate and Foundation Grants: Ongoing support from corporations, foundations and individuals
4. City and County Grants: Local government grants funding specific programs and operations
5. Annual Partner Handling Fee: Tiered handling fees charged to partner agencies starting January 2025, ranging from $500 to $5,000 per year based on value of goods received

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Shelter Partnership operates a 108,000-square-foot warehouse-based product donation distribution program that repackages and redistributes surplus new merchandise from corporations (including Fortune 500 firms) at no cost to a network of more than 600 nonprofit partner agencies serving individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in Los Angeles County. Complementing the warehouse, the organization provides Policy and Planning technical assistance — housing policy analysis, capacity-building, and advocacy support — to community-based organizations and government agencies focused on affordable housing and homeless services.

Product overview

Shelter Partnership operates as a non-profit organization with two core programmatic offerings: (1) the S. Mark Taper Foundation Shelter Resource Bank, a warehouse-based product donation distribution program that repackages and redistributes surplus goods from corporations to homeless service agencies throughout Los Angeles County, and (2) Policy and Planning Technical Assistance services that provide housing policy expertise and technical assistance to community-based organizations and government agencies. The organization also maintains a Young Professionals Associate Board volunteer program for fundraising and community outreach. All programs work together toward the shared mission of preventing and solving homelessness in Los Angeles County.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• S. Mark Taper Foundation Shelter Resource Bank: The warehouse distribution program that solicits large-scale donations of merchandise and ensures delivery to agencies serving homeless individuals; one of the nation's largest homeless resource hubs operating from a 108,000-square-foot warehouse.

Products and services

• S. Mark Taper Foundation Shelter Resource Bank Warehouse-based product donation distribution program that receives large-scale merchandise donations from corporations (including Fortune 500 companies), repackages them, and distributes them at no cost to a network of more than 600 nonprofit partner agencies and schools in Los Angeles County to be passed on to individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty. Over $340 million in donated products distributed through this program since 1989.
• Policy and Planning Technical Assistance Provides housing policy analysis, technical assistance, capacity-building, advocacy, and grant support to community-based organizations and government agencies to help secure federal, state, and local funding and develop resources for affordable housing and homeless services. Has helped partner agencies secure over $1 billion in federal funds, $241 million for veteran housing, $189 million for permanent supportive housing, and a record $60 million federal grant for unsheltered homelessness.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $340 million in product donations distributed since 1989
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Shelter Partnership joined the CPLC family of nonprofits in 2025. CPLC is a longstanding community-based nonprofit operating in 8 states with deep roots in affordable housing, community development, and social services throughout the Southwest. The partnership reflects shared commitment to strengthening communities and expanding support for people experiencing homelessness.
• S. Mark Taper FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe S. Mark Taper Foundation supports the Shelter Resource Bank, one of the largest basic need distribution projects in the nation. The foundation has been a long-term supporter enabling the warehouse operations since 1989.
• Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShelter Partnership works closely with LAHSA on homeless policy, coordinated systems (Homeless Family Solutions System), and federal grant applications including YHDP. LAHSA is the lead agency for homelessness services in Los Angeles County.
• Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on affordable housing development, permanent supportive housing projects, and county-wide programs like Bringing Families Home and Homes for Heroes for veterans.
• Los Angeles City Housing Department (HCIDLA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program and affordable housing policy.
• USC Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans and Military FamiliesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShelter Partnership provides ongoing expertise and leadership to this center focused on veteran and military family issues.
• Veterans CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShelter Partnership provides leadership to this collaborative working to end veteran homelessness in Los Angeles.
• Los Angeles Supportive Services for Veteran Families CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShelter Partnership participates in this collaborative focused on supportive services for veteran families.
• Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssisted HACLA in securing 547 rental assistance vouchers for chronically homeless disabled individuals through HUD Continuum of Care competition.
• United Way Home for Good System Leadership TeamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShelter Partnership provides leadership and expertise to this system-wide initiative to address homelessness in Los Angeles.
• The Giving Room (Dana Middle School)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShelter Partnership provides product donations to support this school-based program serving homeless students and families in San Pedro.
• The Giving Room (Willenberg Special Education Center)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShelter Partnership donates thousands of dollars worth of clothing, toys, socks, shoes to this school for young adults with disabilities ages 18-22.
• Los Angeles Aging Advocacy CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShelter Partnership plays a leadership role in this coalition's Policy Action Team addressing older adult homelessness.
• Los Angeles Unified School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor community partner receiving product donations to serve students and families experiencing poverty and homelessness.
• The People ConcerncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading homeless services provider in Los Angeles, operating housing programs and service centers. The People Concern is the lead services provider at Kensington Campus in Antelope Valley.
• Catholic Charities of Los AngelescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partner operating family shelters and services for families experiencing homelessness.
• Volunteers of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit operating shelters, Bailey Shelter, and various programs for homeless individuals and families in Los Angeles.
• Union Rescue MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the largest rescue missions on Skid Row, providing emergency shelter and comprehensive services to homeless individuals.
• The Salvation ArmycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple corps locations throughout LA County including Bell Shelter, Pasadena, Santa Fe Springs, and programs for veterans and families.
• Hope in a SuitcaseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing suitcases filled with essential items to foster children. Shelter Partnership provides clothing, shoes, and hygiene products.
• Project Joy, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner agency receiving donations to support foster youth and families in need.
• Covenant HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit serving homeless youth, with locations in Hollywood receiving Shelter Partnership donations.
• Downtown Women's CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization serving women experiencing homelessness in Downtown Los Angeles.
• PATH (People Assisting The Homless)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor housing developer and operator providing permanent supportive housing and outreach services.
• LA Family HousingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading interim housing provider and homeless services organization in Los Angeles.
• State of California Interagency Council on HomelessnesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree-year project where Shelter Partnership serves as lead on implementing youth-specific portion to assist state in developing performance measures for ending and preventing youth homelessness.
• Cedars-SinaiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner collaborating on pooled fund to address youth homelessness in LA County.
• Center for Strategic PartnershipsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical assistance provider partner in youth homelessness pooled fund initiative.
• InSite DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloper of Kensington Campus in Antelope Valley providing 100 units of permanent supportive housing and 156 interim bridge housing units.
• Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShelter Partnership co-hosted a panel on Housing First at the 2022 SCANPH Annual Conference.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• LA Family Housing: Major LA County homeless services nonprofit providing interim housing and supportive services, and an active partner of Shelter Partnership receiving product donations. Strong strategic relationship but acts as a recipient agency in Shelter Partnership's model rather than a direct competitor.
• PATH (People Assisting The Homeless): LA-based nonprofit developer and operator of permanent supportive housing that partners with Shelter Partnership for in-kind goods. Comparable Los Angeles County homeless-services focus and 2024 federal funding wins, but operates housing stock rather than a product-redistribution warehouse.

Direct peers

• Baby2Baby: LA-headquartered nonprofit that distributes donated essential items (diapers, clothing, hygiene products) to a network of partner agencies serving children and families living in poverty. Highly comparable product-donation distribution model and LA County geography; serves a different beneficiary population (children vs general homeless population).
• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: LA-based nonprofit that operates a warehouse-based surplus-collection-and-distribution model delivering donated goods (food) at no cost to a network of partner agencies. Comparable operating model (donor supply → warehouse → agency distribution) and LA County service area, though focused on food rather than basic-needs goods.
• Cradles to Crayons: National nonprofit that collects and distributes donated new and gently-used children's goods through a warehouse-based model to partner agencies serving low-income children. Closely comparable to Shelter Partnership's S. Mark Taper Foundation Shelter Resource Bank in product donation redistribution with no-cost supply to partner agencies.

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries of Southern California: Regional Goodwill affiliate operating donation-driven retail and workforce programs in the LA area, with warehouses processing donated goods for sale to fund mission services. Broader scale and retail-resale model differ, but the donation-collection warehouse footprint and distribution-of-goods-to-program-clients is comparable.
• Goodwill Industries International: National umbrella organization coordinating donated-goods collection, processing, and resale across hundreds of regional Goodwill affiliates. Comparable donation-supply-driven mission model, but operates broadly with retail-resale economics rather than free-distribution-to-agencies.
• World Vision US: Large humanitarian organization operating global product-distribution supply chains delivering donated goods to vulnerable populations via partner networks. Comparable corporate-product-donation pipeline and warehouse logistics, at much larger scale and with international scope.

Emerging players

• Dress for Success Worldwide: Global nonprofit collecting corporate donations of professional clothing and distributing to partner agencies serving women in need. Comparable in-kind product-donation redistribution model with corporate donor base; serves a narrower beneficiary segment (women's workforce clothing vs general homeless needs).

Others

• United Way of Greater Los Angeles: LA-based funder intermediary convening donors, agencies and government around homelessness policy (including Home for Good, which Shelter Partnership co-leads). Comparable LA County homelessness-policy advocacy role and funding-partner relationships, but funds rather than warehouses donated products.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/shelterpartnership
• Xx.com/ShelterPartner1
• Facebookfacebook.com/shelterpartnership

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Shelter Partnership