Alexandria, VA – After more than a decade of transformative leadership, Shannon Steene is stepping down as Executive Director of Carpenter’s Shelter in March, the organization announced Wednesday.
Steene, widely respected across the National Capital Region for his work supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness, will take on a new role as CEO of Cornerstones, a nonprofit serving northwestern Fairfax County and eastern Loudoun County with programs focused on food access, shelter, affordable housing, childcare, and other essential human services.
Under Steene’s leadership, Carpenter’s Shelter significantly expanded its services, doubled the number of year-round shelter beds, and solidified its role as the primary provider of homeless services in the City of Alexandria.
“The Carpenter’s Shelter Board of Directors is immeasurably grateful for Shannon’s tremendous leadership and for the dedication, energy, and deep personal care he has brought to our residents and mission,” said Jonathan Wolcott, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His stewardship has provided Carpenter’s with a strong financial and operational foundation for its next chapter.”
One of the most visible milestones of Steene’s tenure was the completion of the $8 million Hoffman Center redevelopment project. The purpose-built facility now houses an emergency shelter for families, Rapid Re-Housing programming, David’s Place day shelter, administrative offices, 10 permanent supportive housing units, and 87 affordable housing units owned and managed by partner Housing Alexandria.
In 2022, Steene also secured a Bezos Day One Fund grant that enabled Carpenter’s Shelter to focus the Hoffman Center on serving families with children. The following year, in 2023, Carpenter’s won the competitive bid to operate the Alexandria Community Shelter (ACS), further strengthening its role as the city’s central homeless services provider.
“I close this chapter with Carpenter’s Shelter with tremendous pride in what we’ve accomplished together,” Steene said. “My successor will inherit a strategic plan for the future, a strong board, a robust volunteer base, and an experienced, committed staff.”
The Board of Directors will appoint an Interim Executive Director while launching a nationwide search for a new chief executive. With a strategic plan adopted in 2024, the organization is continuing to expand partnerships with nonprofit leaders, local governments, donors, and business partners to advance its mission of ending and preventing homelessness.
“Thanks to the combined efforts of Shannon, our boards, and the immensely dedicated staff and volunteers who support our mission every day, Carpenter’s Shelter is well-poised for new leadership and continued growth,” Wolcott said.
Carpenter’s Shelter remains deeply rooted in Alexandria, supported by thousands of donors and volunteers who serve meals, participate in fundraising events, and contribute their time and talent to help families in housing crisis.
