Shelters to Shutters, a newly formed non-profit organization, has successfully placed its first formerly homeless individuals into job opportunities in property management in partnership with Old Dominion Management Services (ODMS), a leading property management company in the United States. Located within apartment communities; Mission Matthews Place and Mission Reedy Creek in Charlotte, North Carolina, formerly homeless are experiencing an innovative one year pilot program designed to provide full-time employment and housing, along with a Mentorship program that pairs participants with leading professionals – and provides them additional insight into career opportunities in property management. In the coming months, ODMS will be placing additional Shelters to Shutters program participants at apartment communities in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh-Durham, Nashville, Dallas and Austin.
It is estimated that over the course of a year, 3.5 million people experience homelessness, 40 percent of whom are children. These individuals and families experience a life-altering event such as a job loss, domestic abuse, or other situations and find themselves where they never thought they would be—without a home. Unlike most perceptions, less than 30% of homeless have drug or alcohol dependency issues, or are mentally ill. Most homeless want to work and return to a life of self-sufficiency.
Founded by Christopher C. Finlay, Founder and Managing Principal, Middleburg Capital, Shelters to Shutters brings together apartment industry and real estate professionals who are committed to offering opportunity and economic independence to individuals facing homelessness. “I’m humbled to be able to open a door and provide an opportunity for our first Shelters to Shutters program participants,” Mr. Finlay stated. “I look forward to following their journey and being able to help more homeless individuals through the Shelters to Shutters program as we expand our efforts nationwide.”
About Shelters to Shutters:
Shelters to Shutters provides housing and employment opportunities to the homeless by educating and engaging real estate/property management leaders and encouraging action within their communities. Shelters to Shutters also partners with local organizations that serve the homeless, veterans, and domestic violence victims to identify successful candidates for the Shelters to Shutters Program.
Media Contact:
Martha Newton
info@shelterstoshutters.org
703.634.5679
www.shelterstoshutters.org