Shelters to Shutters Training Program Aims to Give Individuals a Hand Up to Employment

Press Release

Shelters to Shutters (S2S) Charleston recently completed its first training program for individuals interested in pursuing careers as leasing agents and maintenance technicians in the multifamily industry. The program, designed to educate, train, and prepare unstably housed individuals for these high demand full time employment opportunities, had ten participants complete the two-week training.

“Our program is designed for people who are experiencing hardship to get into an industry with upward mobility and address their  housing concerns at the same time,” said Daniel Stern, Executive Director of Shelters to Shutters Charleston.

Participants in the training took part in a mixed program that included: in class learning,  virtual training, pursuit of needed certifications, and on-site practical experience exercises.  “The goal of this training was to not only educate participants in the day-to-day activities of a  leasing agent and maintenance technician, but also to provide them with on-site, hands on  training in these jobs,” explained Susan Burke, Board President of Shelters to Shutters  Charleston and The Charleston Apartment Association.

The results of the training program have been excellent. Immediately after completion of the  two-week program, four participants were offered employment with discounted housing by  apartment companies and two more have begun working in a “temp to hire” model through

BG Multifamily Staffing. Nine of the participants have had at least one interview with Shelters  to Shutters’ multifamily industry partners. “Our participants have a desire to work and be in a  career where they can excel. Their hard work is evident, and we are very excited that the  multifamily industry is responding by hiring our trainees,” said Stern.

Shelters to Shutters plans to offer more trainings in the future. “We are providing a best-in class entry level training, for free, for people with a desire to work and get into an exciting  industry,” Stern explained. The local nonprofit hopes to offer at least two more training  programs in 2023. If you are interested in learning more about the program, email Daniel at:  Daniel.stern@shelterstoshutters.org.

About Shelters to Shutters 

Shelters to Shutters is a national 501(c)(3) organization that transitions individuals and  families at risk of or experiencing situational homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by  providing career training, employment and housing opportunities in partnership with the  real estate industry. 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. Shelters to Shutters currently operates in Atlanta, Charlotte, Charleston,  Houston, Nashville, the National Capital Region, North Texas, Orlando and Phoenix. More  information can be found at www.shelterstoshutters.org or by following the organization  on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

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