Our Mission
Providing a life-changing solution for situational homelessness
Entryway is a national 501(c)3 organization that transitions individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by providing career training, full-time employment and housing opportunities in partnership with the real estate industry.
The Story of Entryway
Timeline
2014-2015
Shelters to Shutters(S2S) is founded by Chris Finlay, who pilots the program in his own company, Middleburg Communities, in Charlotte, NC and Nashville, TN.
2015-2016
As a 501(c)3 organization, S2S partners with multiple local shelters and nonprofits to identify individuals ready to work in need of a hand up. Program is opened to additional like-minded multifamily industry companies to receive candidate referrals in exchange for employment and housing opportunities.
2017-2018
S2S is named National Multifamily Housing Council’s designated charity. Recruitment of industry and non-profit partners increases threefold.
2018 – 2019
S2S begins Hiring Events in multiple cities to accelerate placements and assist in breaking stigma of homelessness for program participants. S2S launches City Advisory Boards in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Nashville and Washington, DC.
2020 – 2021
COVID-19 pandemic places program on hold and results in change of strategic direction for the organization. S2S moves to a decentralized model. Local Executive Directors are hired on the ground in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Nashville and Washington, DC. National program and development staff are put in place.
2022 – 2023
S2S expands into Central Florida, Greater Phoenix, Charleston and North Texas led by local Executive Directors and City Advisory Boards. Program adds robust pre-employment training, job coaching, and post-hire mentorship opportunities for participants. S2S pilots maintenance and leasing training programs in Charleston and Orlando.
March 2023
Program reaches over 500 individuals moved out of homelessness through employment and housing opportunities.
June 7, 2023
Shelters to Shutters rebrands to Entryway. Same mission with a new name to position the organization for further growth of services, participants served, industry partnerships and expansion footprint.