Carpenter's Shelter

I love Carpenter's Shelter mission! I enjoy volunteering both as a front desk worker and for kids corner and hope to support future tutoring or Resume/job coaching.

Carpenter’s Shelter is such a beacon of light in the heart of the Old Town Community. They have mastered the mechanics of what it takes to effectively help people get back on the path of being self sufficient. I love volunteering there because, in a meaningful way, I get to serve the neighbors in my community who are struggling. I also find that it’s another great environment where I can exercise my own self improvement in the process of serving others by practicing the unity, compassion, optimism, and other skills Carpenter’s expects their volunteers to be and exemplify. The training they provide and the protocols Carpenter’s adhere to are top notch. Keep up the excellence Carpenter’s!
Annette - Old Town Alexandria

I was a resident for 3 1/2 months. The "Case Managers" and the "Director" are extremely the worst professionals I can ever meet. They curse at clients, rude with attitudes. Recently I was in a car accident. My doctors sent me a email detailing my protein needs. The staff and director didn't care about that at all and I had to throw my food away from work that I needed badly. I will encourage anyone who goes there to be aware of their scheme. They only there for the paycheck, not people and I stand on this statement firmly.

Amazing place with dedicated people making a difference in a lot of people's lives!

I have experienced the life changing work of the Carpenter's Shelter for over 2O years as a front desk volunteer, board member, and development chair. A consistent thread in that experience is the incredible spirit of commitment to clients and community that defines every element of this extraordinary organization. The broad base of volunteers and grass roots donor support reflects the success of its programs to bring hundreds of individuals and families from a place of fear and uncertainty to housing and hope. Carpenter's Shelter staff, management, and board work as one to deliver miracles every day.

This shelter is top notch. Having volunteered with various non profits in The metropolitan D.C. area I would have to say that the staff is amazing and friendly , the facility is clean and orderly, and everyone is on one accord. I would definitely recommend supporting this non profit because they are a huge help to the community in more than one way!

Wonderful nonprofit I've had the privilege of being a part of for the past 8 years. Its leadership team is amazing, the staff is dedicated and caring and their volunteer force is impressive. They all work together to treat people experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect and help them get back on their feet. It has been a rewarding organization to be a part of.

I love Carpenter's Shelter because it provides a well-organized safe haven to families in need. It is amazing to see how a little boost from Carpenter's Shelter can help a homeless family gain employment and move on into a self-sustaining life. I started volunteering with Carpenter's Shelter about 10 years ago doing a mix of front desk, children's hour, and meal service. I have become a donor in recent years because I believe in the mission and have personally seen the positive effects on families' lives.

I have been a volunteer at The Carpenter’s Shelter for the past ten years, preparing and serving breakfast and lunch, along with my colleagues on a monthly basis.

It is a truly wonderful experience to consistently see the level of thoughtfulness and caring in the interactions of Carpenter’s staff with Carpenter’s residents.

Carpenter’s professional and trusting atmosphere lends itself well to the families here and their comfort level during this difficult phase of their lives. I have learned about the health programs, and the guidance and training offered to residents during their stay, greatly helping them to successfully prepare for the transition to their own homes again. The Carpenter’s Team goes even further by maintaining contact with individuals, even after they have transitioned out, offering programs that help them to keep moving forward and not experience homelessness again.

The Carpenter’s Staff are an inspiring Team, making a difference in people’s lives each and every day and it has been an honor to add our support to empower change.

The Carpenters Shelter is an amazing organization!!

Great passionate hard working staff! As a volunteer it is so good to see how well things are managed to change the lives of the homeless.

Carpenter's Shelter is a great nonprofit that uses it's resources wisely and effectively. The volunteer coordinator, Jamila Smith, is about as selfless and hardworking as it gets. It's a great organization and I consistently encourage others to support them.

I wanted to spend some time volunteering and found Carpenter's Shelter after a couple days of light searching.

Volunteering at the shelter was fantastic, the staff members treat you well, and you feel nice helping the community out. I was a front desk volunteer and was responsible for transferring calls, often to a case manager, and to let residents/deliveries in and out.

Overall, the experience was great. If you want to volunteer, this is a great place to do it!

I am very proud to serve Carpenter’s Shelter. It feels great to give back to the community and Carpenter’s Shelter Is an amazing outlet to do this. Love working with their friendly staff. Shout out to Jamila! Positive vibes all around. Truly feels like a family.

-James K (volunteer)

When I volunteered to participate as a the Front Desk Volunteer, I was somewhat apprehensive that I would be able to learn the system for transferring telephone calls and answering callers' questions. So, I was surprised and greatly reassured when I arrived at the Front Desk on my first day. Our Volunteer Coordinator, Jamila Smith, had arranged for a veteran volunteer, her mother!, to take the the 7-9 a.m. shift before mine. Mrs. Smith had written out on a paper pad a checklist for me along with some other helpful reminders. Then she stayed a while as I handled the first few calls. My initial fears turned into a more comfortable feeling of accomplishment and belonging. I felt that I must be in the right place with such an organization's capacity for understanding and attention to detail--a feeling that I will never forget.

If I could add a star or two to my rating I would! I have admired Carpenter's Shelter since I first became aware of it and that admiration has only grown as I have become more involved as a volunteer. But how the Shelter has managed its operations in the time of COVID-19 is truly exceptional. Reacting early and quickly to the pandemic, and keeping the welfare of residents, staff, and volunteers its highest priority, the Shelter used creativity and flexibility, community collaboration, unflagging optimism, and heart to adjust to new realities without compromising its mission. While volunteers could no longer be in the building, communication lines stayed open and new ways to serve were figured out. Testimony as to how well the Shelter has navigated the pandemic: no cases among residents or staff, and a volunteer corps eager to return. Five++ stars!!!

Carpenter"s Shelter is in constant accommodation of the shifting needs of homeless in Alexandria. Over the past two years they have vacated their "home" for redevelopment into a new shelter, permanent supportive housing and affordable apartments. Currently occupying a former Macy's store as their temporary home, they've continued to deliver consistant services for their clients, adapting in multiple ways for Covid required changes. Their anticipation of needs and continuous adaptation to conditions is nothing short of remarkable.
Being part of Carpenter's family as volunteers, we are grateful to be included in their professional & supportive delivery of services, a welcoming home and future.

I previously served as a volunteer, and then later as a staff member of Carpenter's Shelter. Currently, I am volunteering.

Carpenter's is making a positive impact in the lives of the women, men and children it serves every day. Case management staff demonstrate care and compassion, and work diligently to understand each person's and families needs and provide critical services and resources. Their David's Place day shelter team works hard to meet the basic needs of chronically homeless men and women. The volunteer, development and communication teams are constantly coordinating critical support for the shelter. It all starts with the leadership team who casts their vision for a stable, better way of life for shelter residents.

As a former employee, I realize their work is tough. I strongly recommend this top notch, service-delivery organization as one of the Great Nonprofits.

I've been volunteering at Carpenter's Shelter since April 2019 as a way to give back to my community. I have truly enjoyed volunteering at the shelter. From the terrific shelter staff, especially the volunteer coordinator Jamila, to the residents, and other volunteers, my experience has been wonderful! It's humbling to be part of such a great community!

I've volunteered with Carpenter's Shelter for several months now, especially at Children's Hour, which is a time that volunteers get to play with the kids in the shelter. It's a unique opportunity for volunteers- I've never done anything like it. And the kids love playing with new people...I hope we brighten their day as they are under a lot of stress.

Even though it's a shelter, the environment is so positive and the residents are always interacting with the staff, who is always around to assist. It's been a wonderful opportunity and I hope to continue volunteering for a long time!

I am a meal provider, have helped with organizing donations, and recently I have been doing some translating for clients. Since the moment I walked in, over one year ago, I have been impressed with the compassion, dedication, and outright kindness of the entire staff. Residents are assisted on many levels and the shelter keeps contact with former residents, helping them with housing, jobs, food, clothing, and household supplies. The shelter is temporary, but feels warm and inviting.

I LOVE Volunteering with Carpenter's Shelter, they are the ones who really got me into volunteering in general. I participate with Children's Hour and Dinner Service. The staff is always so upbeat, they have really inspired me to keep coming! All the other volunteers are amazing as well and I am so proud to be a part of that group!

I've been volunteering for a year and I appricate that there is a wide range of days and times available, and a range of types of volunteer work to do. I have always felt appreciated by the staff, and never felt pressured to do more shifts then I want to do. I can directly see how I'm helping out and get a volunteer newsletter to reinforce how our work is helping out.

I love volunteering at Carpenter's Shelter. I've been occasionally working the front desk and preparing meals for a few years. Carpenter's Shelter takes a holistic approach to getting individuals and families back on track and it's rewarding to be a part of that. The staff is great and very appreciative of the volunteers. It is simple and convenient to sign up for volunteer opportunities through the web portal. I always come away feeling great about my time there.

I have been volunteering at Carpenter Shelter for almost a year. It’s an amazing experience to see the hard work that the staff put in every single day, and it’s nice to know that I have done my part to make the Shelter a big success. I do not know how other homeless shelter operate, but at CS, they not only try to help residents with room and board, but they also work tirelessly to help current residents to get on their own feet with employments and opportunities.

I have been volunteering at the Carpenter Shelter since 2011. There is so much need and the shelter does an excellent job trying to meet the needs of those who are homeless. The people who work there are dedicated in helping the homeless get back on their feet.

I recently retired and was looking for a volunteer opportunity nearby. As my sister has been volunteering at Carpenter's Shelter weekly for the past two years for their children's play hour, I signed up to volunteer at their Front Desk. Working with the clients, the Shelter staff and so many caring community volunteers has been interesting, rewarding and never dull! There are many volunteer opportunities available, and the Shelter staff truly values each and every volunteer.

I began volunteering at Carpenter’s Shelter a couple months ago. Everyone there has been very kind and welcoming. I can tell the staff truly cares about helping the residents. Carpenter’s Shelter has been making a positive impact in many individuals’ lives in the community. I am happy that I am able to volunteer with such a great organization that helps the community.

I've had my sons drop off needed donations to Carpenter's Shelter for many years, since they were young. And more recently, I've been more involved in volunteering at the shelter. We're always greeted with positivity, purpose and appreciation. Not only does Carpenter's help the homeless, they do a commendable service in supporting its residents with the goal of getting them back on their feet.

I have been volunteering for the Carpenter’s Shelter for the last four years. The staff is incredibly caring and compassionate. This is a non-profit that is truly making a difference in the community.

I've been volunteering with Carpenter Shelter's Children's Hour program for about 1 1/2 years, and it's something I always look forward to each week. The children are so appreciative of the extra attention and fun time we share, and I feel good when I leave that I've helped to make a difficult time for them just a little bit better.

I have been volunteering at the front desk for 18 years, usually on a Saturday morning, and have always enjoyed being part of the volunteer core so essential to keeping the Shelter operating. The staff is most helpful , and the clients very welcoming. I look forward to continuing to being a part of this wonderful organization.

Jeff

I am a college student at GMU and I found out about Carpenter's Shelter through one of my classes. I chose to volunteer here and am very happy with my experience. Carpenter's Shelter is a wonderful facility doing great work. Everyone here is very nice and helpful, and they truly care about their jobs and helping the community. I highly recommend stopping by and learning more about it!

I found Carpenter's Shelter while I was driving by on Duke St, it truly stands out if you are driving on that main road & the location has taken the place of a popular old shopping mall. I decided to volunteer here to give back to the community, and overall it is definitely a great place that is well organized, clean, and makes residents feel comfortable and at home! Everybody here is very helpful, it is very peaceful and quiet and it has a great location overall making it of convenience to the high population of the area!

I have been volunteering at Carpenter's for more nearly 13 years, mostly at the front desk, usually on Sunday mornings. It's usually pretty quiet when I arrive, so I sometimes have had the chance to have personal conversations with residents, and learn more about the shelter's programs. The quality of staff, and the regiment they've set up is wonderful. It is perfect for people who really want to change their life and get back in their own home. It's a safe and welcoming environment..

I gave been helping out at David's Place at Carpenter's Shelter for about nine years. David's Place, open six mornings a week, provides a safe place for its clients to shower, wash clothes, use the phone and computer, and receive mail. Clients can also receive referrals to other resources. This is an invaluable resource for homeless individuals who are unable to fit into the structure of the residential shelter. It is a great and interesting place to volunteer.

I have been volunteering at Carpenters Shelter for 5 months. I work at the front desk each week and spend time with the youngest residents at Children's Hour. The staff is extraordinary, so talented and dedicated to helping those facing major life challenges get back on their feet. They look at each individual and family holistically and coordinate their talents yo improve the lives of others. They are compassionate and resourceful. I'm in awe of the extraordinary work they do. I get far more from volunteering than I give. Looking at life through the eyes of the staff and residents gives me a whole new perspective.

A true reflection of the power of community and the beauty of diversity. Carpenters Shelter is an indispensable community partner that truly makes a difference in innumerable lives.

I began my volunteer journey with Carpebter’s Shelter during the Spring of 2018. I have received more from the experience than I’ve given! The rewards have been so tremendous that I can’t enumerate them all in this review. I primarily serve the guests at David’s Place! The people there are nothing short of amazing! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve such a life-affirming organization in Alexandria!

I have been volunteering for this non-profit since I first became aware of them in 2007. Over the years I have witnessed so many people who was given a new beginning by the help they received from the shelter. People who were given a helping hand soared into a new way of living. With the after care program the shelter offers their former residents there is over a 90 percent success rate that the person/family were able to break the cycle of homelessness. That is why I have continued to volunteer for them. It's a super great non-profit and I am grateful to be a part of the help they give to those in need.

I have volunteered at Carpenters' Shelter for more than ten years. For the past eight years I've helped out at the part of Carpenters called David's Place which is a drop-in shelter for homeless people who for one reason or another cannot live at the residential shelter. Six mornings a week David's Place provides a space where homeless individuals can get out of the weather, wash their clothes, take a shower, receive mail and get referrals to other local agencies. Many of David's Place clients are local, but there are clients who pass through from other areas and then move on.
I feel that David's Place adds an important dimension to the residential shelter. Not all individuals can meet the criteria of the residential shelter, but yet they need a "base" to add a little stability to their lives. Some clients are able to re-group and get on with their lives while others are not able to exist soley using their own resources.
I have always experienced the shelter staff to be helpful and non-judgemental in dealing with this difficult population. The staff is extremely supportive of volunteers.
All these reasons contribute to why I have remained a volunteer for so many years and will continue to do so.

Carpenter's Shelter is a wonderful place! They're incredibly well-organized. They do a number of events for its residents as well as events to raise money for the shelter. The people who work there as well as the volunteers truly care about the work they're doing.

The employees at Carpenter's Shelter are extremely committed to helping the residents obtain training, employment and permanent residences. Residents are supported throughout their stay at the shelter with programs provided to gain independent living.

I have been a volunteer at The Carpenter’s Shelter for six years now, preparing and serving lunch, along with my colleagues, on a monthly basis. We enjoy crafting our menus each month with meals that we hope are enjoyed by all and we do appreciate receiving the compliments from the residents!

It is also a truly wonderful experience to see the level of thoughtfulness and caring in the interactions of Carpenter’s staff with Carpenter’s residents. The professional and trusting atmosphere of the Shelter lends itself well to the families here and their comfort level during this difficult phase of their lives.

I have learned about the health programs, and the guidance and training offered to residents during their stay, greatly helping them to prepare for the transition to their own homes again. The Carpenter’s Team goes even further by maintaining contact with individuals, even after they have transitioned out, offering programs that help them to keep moving forward and not experience homelessness again.
The Carpenter’s Staff are an inspiring Team, making a difference in people’s lives each and every day. Thank you!

I have been a volunteer at Carpenter’s Shelter for about 2 years. I have worked at the front desk and David’s Place. I have seen first hand the compassion and dedication of the staff. Every time I volunteer there, I see an amazing group of people doing an amazing job!! One of the things that impressed me most is how positive and encouraging they are to everyone!! I was looking for a volunteer opportunity somewhere that made a positive impact on the individuals they serve and the community they work in. I found both at the Carpenter’s Shelter!!

I've had the pleasure of living in some major cities and volunteering at different shelters throughout my life time: New York City, Boston, DC, Tampa, etc., and by far Carpenter's Shelter is one of the best shelters to volunteer your time. The staff and volunteers at Carpenter's Shelter are absolutely amazing! Carpenter's Shelter lives up to their mission statement and then some! I constantly witness dedication from the staff and volunteers with assisting people with life improvements, finding and assisting with transitioning into long term affordable housing and so much more. I actually love seeing where all the funding goes to with my own eyes, and I'm loving what I'm seeing. For those who are interested in volunteering or donating your talents or resources, don't look no more because you can bring your many talents or your resources right to Carpenter's so the shelter can continue their amazing work in the City of Alexandria community. --I'm a dedicated volunteer, and I love Carpenter's Shelter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Such a great mission with so many amazing programs to serve those in need!

I'm particularly impressed by how holistic Carpenter's Shelter is - addressing issues of affordable housing, employment, addiction, mental health, short- and long-term homelessness, etc. And I'm amazed by how much they do with such a small staff. The staff clearly care for the residents and clients - sometimes tenderly and sometimes with firmness, depending on the needs of the situation. I'm proud to volunteer at such an amazing organization that seeks to serve some of society's most vulnerable adults and children.

Carpenter's is an excellent shelter, as not only does it provide shelter to those who need it, but they also help their residents transition into housing and assist them in finding jobs... it helps set them up for a positive path after their residency. They even continue to work with former residents after they've left to ensure that they are remaining on that path and avoid housing crises in the future.

Everyone is so nice! I have never seen anyone get angry or act cruel to any of the staff, residents, or volunteers.

For Carpenter's Shelter, I primarily volunteer at the Front Desk, but also help out on committees and with special events. This is my perspective as a volunteer since September 2010: Carpenter’s Shelter is more than a shelter – they really prop up residents for success by helping them attain jobs, assist with resume workshops, assist with life skills workshops, put residents in touch with education opportunities, help residents find permanent housing, and extend their assistance after the resident has left the shelter to ensure they are on track for success. I think that is truly amazing. Any part of that amazing work I can participate in I am grateful for. Their future plans include extending the shelter out to where the parking lot is, building 200 affordable housing apartments above the shelter, and moving parking below ground. What a statement to the community that will make!

I have been a front desk and meal volunteer since April 2014. I can only tell you the perspective from a volunteer. The programs and organization is very well structured. I personally like how flexible I can volunteer during certain hours. Once I get my regular job schedule, I simply go to the Carpenter's website and schedule my volunteer hours in. Front desk duties are very easy and if there is anything out of the ordinary, the staff is always available to assist. The volunteer coordinator, Kelly, is awesome as well! As a meal provider, the kitchen is well equipped and easy to use. As a volunteer, you see people and families come and go. The greatest times at Carpenter's has always been when a client talks to me about their future and their plans. Carpenter's provides them that hope that someone is there and that someone cares.

Carpenter's Shelter does a great job helping people get back on their feet: they provide not only basics like food and shelter, but educational classes in parenting and other skills to help residents be successful on their own! The shelter is very active and visible in the community, which also helps their positive image. The staff is dedicated and have a great positive attitude which sets the tone for everyone at the shelter. As a volunteer, I feel grateful for the chance to work with everyone there!

I have seen the wonderful work the staff and volunteers have done in twenty plus years as a volunteer. They are the people whom I would trust if i had a family member who needed this kind of assistance. The relationships they have formed with the community ensures that this organization will be in place until there are no people to be helped. Neither rain nor blizzard stops this group from performing at a high standard. They have a program to assist former residents from falling back into homelessness, what great idea!!!!!

I have been a volunteer at Carpenters for 3.5 years, and have been impressed with the shelter in many ways. The shelter serves a diverse community and feels welcoming to all of the residents, staff, and volunteers in and out each day. The residents are friendly and have always thanked me when I come to make and serve dinner or help them at the front desk. I like giving my time here because the staff cares about the well-being of their clients, and the work they do is changing peoples lives for the better.

I have been volunteering with Carpenter's Shelter for a few years now. It is an wonderful place that not only offers shelter to those in need, but also has programs and resources to help people get back on their feet, plan for the future and make a plan to stay out of homelessness. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. The amount of volunteers is amazing! I have enjoyed working with them and continue to do so in the future!

I served on the board of Carpenter's Shelter for five years. I just stepped down recently--not enough time for me personally to continue. During my time there, I always observed CS to be a well-run organization. CS uses its funding well for the intended purposes and utilizes a lot of volunteers effectively. The residents of CS get the services they need and generally seem very grateful and appreciative. The staff are very engaged and like what they do.

I think the service here is poor, full of prejudice and subpar. I got expunged in 2009 because some women were ambling in, out, and through my bunked bed room in the middle of the night, and stole my Inspiron Dell laptop. They also took money from me and scratched my Chevrolet. It was despicable. Then i became a member of David's Place and Mary Parker Lammb prejudicely said i couldn't take showers there and go potty but only receive mail similar to another client or patron, John Doheny. This place stinks and is lousy to the common citizen. On top told other people to ise other drop-incenters in Alexandria or Springfield. Have a wicked fine Thursday all!!!

This is indeed, a boondoggle type of place. People really are stupid if they believe that this place actually cares for the homeless. I've been "served" here before and mostly it's just power hungry case managers looking for a power fix and more money for their company. They are selfish with resources, they have a shelter van they never use, and staff members have stolen food from the food pantry. I have spoken with Saint Mary's Catholic Church parisioners and they were disgusted by my experience. While I was staying there, one girl was harassed by staff members about when she would receive her money from an accident she'd had.

I stayed here before and I think this sheltet is a boondoggle. Will use this For profit institution to make sure Bill Euille doesn't get Morans (I think Jim didn't like the fight I was bringing) seat. BTW-Carpenter's talks about meals served. Carpenter's doesn't serve (or buy) food. I don't how y'all sleep at night.

I've been involved with Carpenter's Shelter in little ways off and on since about 1991 as time and money have permitted me. It was the first homeless shelter that I volunteered in while in college - it has a special place in my heart. I've seen the shelter grow from something very small to become a pillar of the Alexandria community. Its committment to the homeless and recently homeless is exemplary and is has never been more needed. May God continue to bless Carpenters and its entire community.