Property management companies such as Equity Residential, Waterton, Freeman Webb, Middleburg, Kettler and AvalonBay Communities have partnered with the non-profit Shelters to Shutters to help more than 100 individuals transition out of homelessness since the program’s inception in 2014.
In 2014, the Shelters to Shutters program was developed to pair property management companies with individuals experiencing homelessness that are able and ready to get back into the workforce. The nonprofit organization provides a pathway for those facing homelessness to regain their economic independence by connecting them with property managers needing to fill an entry-level position. Not only does this program help combat a problem that is nationwide, but it also provides employees for property management companies, with a 92 percent retention rate on placements to date.
“We have really seen companies in the property management industry get excited about joining the effort to alleviate homelessness and support Shelters to Shutters in a variety of ways,” said Andy Helmer, CEO, Shelters to Shutters. “We’ve not only added more property management partners, but we now have software vendors Entrata and Yardi supporting our program financially, and Colliers International and HBI providing training and classes to our participants. In addition, we have companies like CORT excited about providing furniture to participants when they move from a shelter to their new home.”
According to a recent study by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than half a million people in the United States were homeless on a single night in 2015. More than 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness over the course of a year. Contrary to the perceptions of most, the majority of people affected by homelessness do not have drug or alcohol dependency issues or mental health-related problems. In fact, less than 30 percent of homeless individuals are affected by these illnesses. The remaining 70 percent of the homeless population is comprised of individuals and families who have experienced life-altering events such as losing their job, obtaining a serious injury that interferes with their ability to work, being victim to domestic abuse or other situations that led to them being unable to have the financial resources necessary for standard living expenses.
Chris Finlay, Managing Principal, Middleburg, saw a need in his local community and identified ways he, as an owner of a property management company, could take an active part to help those experiencing homelessness transition back to economic selfsufficiency. Property management companies have resources to offer families and individuals suffering from homelessness that most industries don’t: employment AND housing. “What comes first, employment or housing? As an industry, we are in a unique position to offer both and in return receive motivated employees who quickly become dedicated members of the communities where they live and work,” said Finlay. “It’s a win-win.”
If you would like to partner with Shelters to Shutters or want more information, please visit shelterstoshutters.org/get-involved.