Organization focused on reducing situational homelessness names Kit Baker-Carr as Executive Director and selects City Advisory Board; AAMD donates $20,000 to launch the organization
DENVER (August 23, 2023) – Entryway (formerly Shelters to Shutters), a national nonprofit that transitions at-risk individuals and families or those experiencing situational homelessness to economic self-sufficiency through career training, employment, and housing opportunities, launched its innovative program that partners with Colorado housing providers.
Kit Baker-Carr will join the organization as the Denver executive director and work with the Apartment Association of Metro Denver, the Colorado Apartment Association, 14 member companies and local business leaders to launch operations in the 10th market for Entryway.
“It’s no secret that one of Denver’s greatest challenges is our growing population of those experiencing homelessness,” said Baker-Carr. “However, the majority of these individuals have workforce experience and are looking for an opportunity to return to economic independence. Entryway opens the door for these individuals to get back on track while providing the high-growth multifamily industry with trained, motivated employees.”
Entryway provides participants in its program with individualized career training for positions such as maintenance, leasing and groundskeeping. These are high-demand, on-site positions with multifamily partners. The utilization of online training through Edge2Learn, in person classroom training, job shadowing, and partnerships with staffing agencies equips participants with necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles, ensuring they are fully prepared to contribute to the success of their employers. The participants also receive ongoing training, mentoring, and access to support services to ensure a successful long-term transition.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to make a long-term impact for Colorado residents and build a talent pipeline for its local apartment industry,” said David Williams, President & CEO of Entryway. “On average, every individual that graduates from our 12-month program sees an impact of $88,982 in value to the local community and to the individual and their family. We look forward to multiplying this impact across the Denver area with the help of our local and national partners.”
Entryway is entering the Denver market with the support of the Colorado Apartment Association and the Apartment Association of Metro Denver, which immediately recognized the win-win-win opportunity to provide member companies with a new pipeline of talent for their local properties, address one of the most challenging issues within the Denver community, and change the lives of individuals and families in local communities who are at risk of losing stable housing and employment.
“Members of the Apartment Association have a strong philanthropic history in Metro Denver. From supporting organizations like Warren Village and Family HomeStead; the industry is always giving back,” said Jared Miller, President of the Apartment Association of Metro Denver. “Entryway provides a really powerful opportunity to address housing and career stability. Through the program, our members can hire exceptional talent while providing housing assistance to them and their families. We’re thrilled to champion Entryway with AAMD.”
Entryway partners with over 60 apartment management companies, both nationally and locally, such as Bell Partners, Cardinal Group, Cortland, Crescent, Dominium, Gables, Greystar, IMT, IRT, Mill Creek, Simpson Housing and more.
“The Colorado Apartment Association and Apartment Association of Metro Denver are excited about this new partnership,” says Mark Williams, Executive Vice President of the Association. “We hope that the wide array of members who have already signed on with Entryway will start the new organization on a path for success, both helping people who need a new start and helping fill needed positions within the housing industry.”
Joining Entryway as members of the Denver City Advisory Board are:
- Cara Athmann, COO, Cardinal Group
- Peter Braun, Managing Director, Real Estate, Omnia Partners
- Dori Brewer, Principal, Level 10 Property Group
- Lynett Brockman, City Advisory Board Chairperson; CEO, Career Options
- Robyn Cue, Director of Training, MAXX Properties
- Brenda Gammie, Executive Vice President, Avanti Residential
- Lisa Godbehere, Vice President, Apartment Association of Metro Denver
- Lyn Jacobs, CCO / Partner, Real Floors
- Zach Jacobs, Portfolio Performance Analyst, Monarch Investment
- Michelle Lyng, President, Novitas Communications
- Brandon Rich, Senior Managing Director, Greystar Real Estate Partners
- Terry Simone, Founding Partner, Four Mile Capital; NAA Region 8, VP
- Lori Snider, Head of Learning & Development, RedPeak Properties
- Tina Tamondong, Senior Vice President, People Services, Simpson Housing
About Entryway
Entryway (formerly Shelters to Shutters) is a national 501(c)(3) organization that transitions individuals and families from situational homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by providing career training, employment, and housing opportunities in partnership with the real estate industry. Since its founding in 2014, Entryway has grown to serve over 550 individuals and families, unlocking pathways to life-changing opportunities and creating sustainable change in our communities. Entryway currently operates in 10 markets: Atlanta, Charleston, Central Florida, Denver, Houston, Nashville, the National Capital Region, North Carolina, North Texas, Central Florida, and Greater Phoenix. More information can be found at www.entrywaytalent.org or by following the organization on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About the Apartment Association of Metro Denver
The Apartment Association of Metro Denver (AAMD) is among the largest multi-family housing trade associations in the country. For additional information about AAMD, please visit www.aamdhq.org.
About the Colorado Apartment Association
The Colorado Apartment Association (CAA) is a nonprofit trade association representing owners, developers, management companies, and Supplier Partners of the multifamily rental housing industry. CAA is composed of four local affiliates from across the state. The association represents over 3,000 members who own and manage over 300,000 apartment homes, which total more than $100 billion in assets. Together with the local affiliates, the National Multifamily Housing Council, and the National Apartment Association, CAA offers a strong network of information, education and representation of the multifamily housing industry.
Media Contacts:
Michelle Lyng, mblyng@novitascommunications.com Phone: 202-603-4184
Kristen Poteet, kpoteet@entrywaytalent.org Phone: 703-634-6130
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