The innovative non-profit brings its solution to address homelessness to its 12th market
VIENNA, Va. – June 5, 2024 –Entryway, a national non-profit that transitions individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness to economic self-sufficiency announced today the launch of its innovative program in Austin, San Antonio, and the surrounding areas. The nonprofit, which partners directly with the multifamily industry, has named Leah Baker as Central Texas Executive Director. Leah will work with the Austin Apartment Association and the Central Texas Advisory Board, comprised of prominent leaders in the multifamily industry, to kick start operations in Entryway’s 12th market.
Leah comes to Entryway with over a decade of successful experience in organizational leadership and operations. Leah started her career in property management in 2008 and has worked for Camden, Westdale, RPM and Avenue5. Most recently, she was the Executive Director for Project Transitions, which offers transitional housing and support services for those living with HIV. Her personal mission is to use her skills and knowledge to empower others.
“Leah brings unique experience to the Central Texas Executive Director role with a past career in multifamily and her most recent role supporting a marginalized population with housing and social services. Leah understands what it takes to see success and make a difference in both worlds. We are excited to have her leadership as we launch our program in Central Texas,” said David Williams, President & CEO, Entryway.
Entryway comes to Central Texas with seed capital provided by Lloyd Jones LLC, a real estate investment, development, and management firm specializing in multifamily and senior housing, and with the support of the Austin Apartment Association.
Entryway partners with over 80 apartment management companies, such as Asset Living, Cardinal Group, Greystar, and IRT Living to support people experiencing situational homelessness with career training and opportunities for full time entry-level jobs with discounted housing. Entryway provides each participant with ongoing training, mentoring and access to support services to ensure a successful long-term transition. Entryway works with multiple referring partners to identify program applicants such as workforce development programs, non-profits and technical schools. The win-win program will provide multifamily companies in Central Texas with a new pipeline of talent for their properties while also offering the stability of employment and housing for families in these local communities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Entryway into Austin. Entryway is uniquely positioned to support individuals and families who are exiting homelessness and enabling employment in the high-opportunity industry that is multifamily. The combination of employment and housing offers stability for these individuals, so we are proud to bring our multifamily property management companies and owners to the table to support this solution. I personally, look forward to seeing the stories of success play out, and long-term stability for these individuals to become a reality,” commented Emily Blair, Executive Vice President of the Austin Apartment Association and Central Texas City Advisory Board Chair.
Joining Entryway in ensuring the sustainability of program support are ten leaders in the Central Texas area who will serve on the Advisory Board: Emily Blair, Executive Vice President, Austin Apartment Association; Andrea Eaton, General Manager, Real Floors; Theresa Ebner, Director of Asset Management, Texas, LDG Development; Lyndsay Hanes, President, Metric Property Management; Eric Leonard, Partner/VP of Business Development, We Do Trash; Marla Mohr, Director of Training and Revenue Management, Spherexx; Brett Pitt, Managing Principal, Merriman Pitt Anderson; Kendall Pretzer, CEO, Grace Hill; William Talbot, Partner/Chief Investment Officer, Maslow’s Properties; Renee Zahn, Managing Director, Greystar Real Estate Partners
About Entryway
Entryway is a national 501(c)(3) organization that transitions individuals and families from homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by providing career training, employment, and housing opportunities in partnership with the real estate industry. Entryway currently operates in 12 markets: Atlanta, Central Florida, Central Texas, Denver, Houston, Nashville, National Capital Region, North Carolina, North Texas, Greater Phoenix, Philadelphia and South Carolina. For more information, please visit www.entrywaytalent.org.