Lynn Thomas, Executive Director of Community Lodgings and Jasmine Witcher, Director of Development join us today to talk about their work in Alexandria, VA which works to lift people out of homelessness and help them transition into stable housing and self-sufficiency. Lack of affordable housing is a growing problem around the country and it is particularly bad in the Washington, DC area so Community Lodgings provides a way for families to live in an apartment, rather than a shelter, while going through their very successful program. Working with dedicated caseworkers, the clients learn budgeting skills, receive help getting out of debt, and resolve other barriers to transition to full housing. Jasmine Witcher shares her persuasive "Ask" which is key in fundraising to make the work of Community Lodgings possible.

Lynn Thomas joined Community Lodgings as Executive Director in January 2014 bringing 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, particularly in grants administration, affordable housing and supportive housing management. She is a certified housing counselor, holds a Master's of Human Services from Lincoln University, PA and is an active member of the Governing Board of the Alexandria Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness.

Jasmin brings over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in housing and homelessness issues. In her role at Community Lodgings, Jasmin oversees all aspects of a comprehensive development program to provide long-term funding stability for the organization.

Community Lodgings is an Alexandria, VA based nonprofit established in 1987 with a mission to lift families from homelessness and instability to independence and self-sufficiency through transitional housing, affordable housing and youth education programs