Shelter Equity
Shelter Equity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating since 1994 (rebranded from Community Housing Partnership in 2024) that delivers safe housing, clean water, and bicycle mobility programs across six countries, funded via donations, recurring Global Pledge ($35/month), and home sponsorships ($5,000).
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersFranklin, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Shelter Equity does
Shelter Equity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (legal entity Community Housing Partnership dba Shelter Equity, EIN 62-1572386) headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, operating since 1994 under its original name Community Housing Partnership before rebranding to Shelter Equity in 2024. The organization delivers a holistic poverty-alleviation triad of safe housing construction, clean water and sanitation (WASH), and bicycle mobility across six countries and four continents - the United States (Middle Tennessee), Cambodia, Fiji, Honduras, Kenya, and Thailand. Its primary technology assets are minimal: a Wix-hosted marketing website (shelterequity.org), The Impact Journal blog for impact reporting, and a DoorLoop-based Resident Portal for U.S. tenants to pay rent and submit maintenance requests; no proprietary software, AI, or data platforms are described.
In the United States, Shelter Equity develops and stewards an affordable rental housing portfolio, operates 10 group homes serving vulnerable populations (adults with disabilities through Waves Inc., women transitioning from incarceration via Oak Cottage for Women, and individuals in recovery through 21st Recovery Court), and partners with the City of Franklin on 33 affordable housing units plus the upcoming Lofts at Carothers Parkway senior/disabled development scheduled to open in 2026. Internationally, programs are executed through local implementation partners such as Heartprint (Cambodia) and Asante Aid (Kenya), with reported health outcomes including 78% fewer parasitic infections, 49% fewer diarrhea cases, and 81% less anemia associated with concrete-floor home builds.
The revenue model is donation-driven: Global Pledge recurring donations at $35/month, one-time gifts, and $5,000-per-home Sponsorship donations. Overhead is stated to be fully covered by separate funding, allowing 100% of public donations to flow to program services. Other revenue derives from rental income on the U.S. affordable housing and group home portfolio. The organization has cumulatively served more than 16,000 individuals across 5,300+ housing and infrastructure projects. Headcount is 16 employees, and no venture funding, M&A activity, or public financial disclosures are present.
Shelter Equity firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Shelter Equity
- Legal name
- Community Housing Partnership dba Shelter Equity
- Website
- https://shelterequity.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Shelter Equity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating since 1994 (rebranded from Community Housing Partnership in 2024) that delivers safe housing, clean water, and bicycle mobility programs across six countries, funded via donations, recurring Global Pledge ($35/month), and home sponsorships ($5,000).
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Shelter Equity industry classification
Industry- Product category
- International Poverty Relief and Affordable Housing (Nonprofit)
- NAICS
- Community Housing Services (62422), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Temporary Shelters (624221)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC), Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC), Emergency Shelter, Camp Coordination & Camp Management (CCCM) (BPADADAB)
Keywords
Where Shelter Equity is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Franklin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Shelter Equity business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Program Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Donations: Shelter Equity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that generates revenue entirely through charitable donations. The organization states that 100% of public donations go directly to program services as overhead costs are fully covered. Revenue streams include one-time donations, monthly Global Pledge subscriptions ($35/month), and home sponsorship donations ($5,000 per home).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Global Pledge monthly donation |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Sponsor a Home |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Shelter Equity product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Shelter Equity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that funds and delivers poverty-alleviation programs centered on three pillars: safe housing construction, clean water and sanitation (WASH), and bicycle mobility for underserved families in the U.S., Cambodia, Fiji, Honduras, and Kenya. Programs are supported by donor-funded mechanisms including the Global Pledge monthly giving program, one-time donations, Sponsor a Home, and Build Grants, with 100% of public donations going directly to program services.
Product overview
Shelter Equity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity organization (formerly Community Housing Partnership) offering a holistic poverty alleviation approach centered on three core programmatic areas: safe housing construction, clean water and sanitation (WASH), and bicycle mobility. The organization operates primarily through donation-based programs including the Global Pledge ($35/month recurring), Sponsor a Home ($5,000 per home), and Build Grant programs. In the United States, Shelter Equity also develops and manages affordable rental housing properties and group homes for vulnerable populations. Digital services include a Resident Portal for tenants to manage rent payments and maintenance requests. The organization's work is documented and communicated through The Impact Journal blog platform. The Lofts at Carowners Parkway is a major upcoming housing development project scheduled for 2026.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Global Pledge A monthly giving program where donors commit $35 per month to support Shelter Equity's housing, clean water, and bicycle mobility programs for families in underserved communities across the U.S., Cambodia, Fiji, Honduras, and Kenya. Donors join a global community investing in long-term poverty solutions and receive ongoing updates via The Impact Journal.
- Safe Housing Program Construction and renovation of safe, stable, and secure homes for families in need, including concrete floors, raised foundations, secure doors and windows. Homes are designed to withstand weather and protect against wildlife, with documented health benefits including 78% fewer parasitic infections, 49% less diarrhea, and 81% less anemia.
- Water and Sanitation (WASH) Program Integration of clean water access and proper sanitation facilities into housing builds, providing families with safe drinking water and private sanitation to promote health, dignity, and reduce disease exposure.
- Bicycle Mobility Program Provision of bicycles to connect families to schools, workplaces, healthcare, and markets, enabling children to attend school and parents to reach employment opportunities in underserved communities.
- Sponsor a Home A donation program allowing individuals, churches, businesses, or community groups to fully fund a home for $5,000. Sponsors receive a personalized report about the family supported and ongoing updates through The Impact Journal.
- Build Grant Program Grant program allowing families and communities to apply for funding to support housing construction and infrastructure projects in their area.
- The Lofts at Carothers Parkway An affordable housing development in Franklin, Tennessee, converting an existing assisted living facility into modern, accessible studio and 1-bedroom apartments for seniors aged 55+ and adults with disabilities. Scheduled to open in 2026.
- Group Homes Program Operation and maintenance of 10 group homes in Williamson County, Tennessee, serving vulnerable populations through partnerships including Oak Cottage for Women (women transitioning from prison), 21st Recovery Court (drug recovery), and Waves, Inc. (adults with disabilities).
- Affordable Rental Housing Portfolio Development and stewardship of affordable rental housing properties serving low-to-moderate income families, seniors, and adults with disabilities throughout Middle Tennessee, including 33 affordable housing units built through partnership with the City of Franklin.
- Resident Portal Online platform powered by DoorLoop for Shelter Equity residents to pay rent, view their balance, submit repair requests, and receive communications from the property management team.
Quantifiable outcome
- 16,000+ individuals served with safe housing, clean water, and mobility
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Shelter Equity
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Shelter Equity technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Shelter Equity partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- United Way of Greater NashvillecorePartnership for emergency home repair assistance through United Way of Greater Nashville, helping seniors and adults with disabilities remain safe and secure in their homes.
- Tennessee Housing Development AgencycorePartnership with THDA for emergency home repairs for seniors and adults with disabilities, facilitating access to state housing resources.
- Oak Cottage for WomencoreTransitional housing partnership for women leaving incarceration. Shelter Equity (as CHP) partnered with Oak Cottage to sponsor group homes for re-entry support.
- 21st Recovery CourtcorePartnership providing recovery housing for individuals overcoming addiction, part of Shelter Equity's group home portfolio in Williamson County.
- Waves, Inc.corePartnership supporting housing programs for adults with disabilities through group homes managed by Shelter Equity.
- HeartprintcoreLocal building partner in Cambodia that works alongside Shelter Equity to construct homes and implement programs. Shelter Equity staff visit projects together with Heartprint team.
- Asante AidcoreLocal partner organization in Kenya; CEO Nicholas O. Ondiek leads snakebite prevention and community development work alongside Shelter Equity projects.
- City of FranklincorePartnership with City of Franklin to facilitate emergency housing services for homeless individuals and families, and to build 33 affordable housing units.
- USDAcorePartnership with USDA to facilitate emergency housing services for homeless individuals and families in Middle Tennessee.
- United Nations Sustainable Development GoalscoreShelter Equity's work aligns with and advances multiple UN SDGs including: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Shelter Equity competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- World Vision: Large Christian humanitarian organization sponsoring child welfare, clean water, and community development across dozens of countries. Comparable international footprint and holistic community-led development model.
- Food for the Hungry: Christian international relief and development organization focused on integrated community programs including housing, WASH, and livelihoods in developing countries. Comparable holistic triad model and country partner-based delivery.
- Mercy Housing: U.S.-focused nonprofit developer of affordable rental housing for low-income families, seniors, and people with special needs. Directly comparable in affordable housing development, supportive housing, and partnership with public agencies.
- International Justice Mission: Faith-based anti-trafficking and human rights nonprofit operating internationally with local partner teams. Comparable faith-driven, community-partner-led international development model.
- Covenant House: Nonprofit operating shelters, group homes, and supportive housing for youth experiencing homelessness and trafficking in the U.S. and Latin America. Comparable in shelter/group home operations and re-entry-style supportive housing.
- Compassion International: Faith-based child sponsorship and poverty alleviation NGO operating across the developing world. Comparable recurring donor (sponsorship) model and holistic approach to family and community development.
- WaterAid: International nonprofit focused on clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in developing countries. Comparable WASH component of Shelter Equity's programmatic triad and international community-partner delivery model.
- Habitat for Humanity: Global nonprofit focused on affordable home construction and rehabilitation for low-income families. Directly comparable to Shelter Equity in U.S. affordable housing and international homebuilding, with broader scale and brand recognition.
Others
- Charity Navigator: Independent charity evaluator that rates nonprofits on transparency and financial performance. Adjacent — Shelter Equity's GuideStar Platinum Seal indicates it is rated highly by this ecosystem of evaluators, but Charity Navigator is not a program peer.
Emerging players
- Bicycles for Humanity: Smaller nonprofit collecting and shipping bicycles to developing countries to support education and economic mobility. Directly comparable to Shelter Equity's Bicycle Mobility program pillar.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Shelter Equity social profiles
Digital presenceShelter Equity financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Shelter Equity leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Shelter Equity subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Shelter Equity funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Shelter Equity M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Shelter Equity
What does Shelter Equity do?
Shelter Equity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that funds and delivers poverty-alleviation programs centered on three pillars: safe housing construction, clean water and sanitation (WASH), and bicycle mobility for underserved families in the U.S., Cambodia, Fiji, Honduras, and Kenya. Programs are supported by donor-funded mechanisms including the Global Pledge monthly giving program, one-time donations, Sponsor a Home, and Build Grants, with 100% of public donations going directly to program services.
Is Shelter Equity a public or private company?
Shelter Equity is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Shelter Equity founded?
Shelter Equity was founded in 1994. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Shelter Equity based?
Shelter Equity is headquartered in Franklin, United States, in the North America region.
How does Shelter Equity make money?
One revenue line is on record: donations.
Who are Shelter Equity's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are World Vision, Food for the Hungry, Mercy Housing, International Justice Mission, Covenant House, Compassion International, WaterAid and Habitat for Humanity. Charity Navigator is listed as an others. Bicycles for Humanity is listed as an emerging player.
Does Shelter Equity have an API?
No public API is recorded for Shelter Equity.
What industry is Shelter Equity in?
Shelter Equity's product category is International Poverty Relief and Affordable Housing (Nonprofit). Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAB, Housing Assistance & Homeless Services, with a secondary code of BPAIANAC, Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services. Its NAICS code is 62422 and its SIC code is 8300.