S2S adds Executive Director in Nashville to advance its innovative approach to ending situational homelessness through partnerships with the multifamily housing industry.
VIENNA, Va. – July 14, 2021–Shelters to Shutters (S2S), a national non-profit that transitions individuals and families from homelessness to economic self-sufficiency through partnerships with apartment companies, announced today that Chris Smith will join the organization as Executive Director for its Nashville operations. In his role, Smith will work to grow the program in Nashville to become a premier employment and housing placement agency for individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Smith brings over 40 years of experience in non-profits to his new role as Nashville Executive Director of Shelters to Shutters including 23 years as Senior Minister at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in Brentwood. Additionally, over the past 13 years, he helped over 25 non-profit organizations and churches raise $40 million. Smith is a graduate of Lipscomb University, Harding School of Theology and Abilene Christian University.
“Having Chris as Executive Director running our program on the ground is going to make an immediate difference in the level of impact we are able to make in the Nashville area. Nashville is a city centered around relationships and community. Chris’s local network and his experience with fundraising and serving others are what we need to grow a sustainable operation for those we serve,” said David Williams, Shelters to Shutters’ President and CEO.
S2S partners with over 40 apartment management companies, such as Nashville based Freeman Webb, to place people experiencing homelessness in onsite, entry-level jobs, and provide them with housing at the same communities where they work. S2S provides each participant with career mentoring and access to support services to ensure a successful long-term transition. S2S works with multiple homeless-focused non-profits to identify suitable job applicants. The program changes the lives of individuals and families while providing quality, motivated employees for a rapidly growing industry in need of talent.
“I am excited to join Shelters to Shutters as Nashville Executive Director. I cannot think of a more rewarding endeavor than helping those who experience situational homelessness get a job and a home at the same time,” said Smith.
In 2020, Shelters to Shutters launched the Nashville City Advisory Board comprised of leaders within the community committed to the mission and to creating a sustainable pathway for program support. Nashville City Advisory Members include: Josh Chapman, Chief Global Brand Officer, SmileDirectClub; Kirby Davis, Chief Operating Officer, Freeman Webb; Nancy Everitt, President & CEO, HEOPS, Inc.; Lisa Gunderson, Vice President of Asset Management, Bristol Development Group; Clarence Hollins, President & CEO, TSR, LLC; Sara Hoover, Principal, SFH Consulting; Nikki-Dee Ray, Meteorologist, News Channel 5; Janice Reese, CEO, Network PDF Cloud; Chase Tarkenton, Vice President, North America Sales, Uniphore; Contrecia Tharpe, Chief Story Teller & Strategist, neuIMC, Inc.; Michael Weichart, M.D., Chief Operating Officer, TeamHealth, Inc.; David Wren, Owner, Wren Consulting, LLC.
“I am confident Chris will build the relationships with the multifamily and homeless advocacy communities that will benefit both as well as the entire Nashville area,” Kirby Davis, Chairman, S2S Nashville City Advisory Board.
The Nashville City Advisory Board is hosting a fundraiser to raise support for Nashville operations at Topgolf on Thursday, October 14, 2021. To learn more about participating in the event, contact Chris Smith at chris.smith@shelterstoshutters.org.
About Shelters to Shutters
Shelters to Shutters is a national 501(c)(3) organization that transitions individuals and families from homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by educating and engaging the real estate industry to provide employment and housing opportunities. Across the country, Shelters to Shutters pairs leading property management companies with individuals experiencing homelessness who are ready to work. The result is an innovative program that provides full-time employment and housing opportunities for individuals facing homelessness and a pipeline of high quality, motivated employees for the multifamily housing industry. Since its founding in 2014, S2S and its multifamily partners have assisted individuals and families out of homelessness in markets throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast, South and Texas. More information can be found at www.shelterstoshutters.org or by following the organization on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.