Since 1975, Doorways has welcomed those with nowhere else to go. When it began, it provided nights in a hotel for those in desperate need. Now, two emergency shelters, a long-term housing program, and holistic support services help homeless families and domestic violence survivors heal from trauma – and aim for independence. Along with crucial shelter and supportive housing programs, Doorways offers counseling and referrals for adults, physical and emotional support for youth (50% of clients are children), court advocacy and companionship for those seeking formal protection from an abuser, and individual financial education, along with a 24-hour hotline for those escaping violence or shielding a loved one. It all makes a vital difference: in the last few years, 87% of households secured safe, long-term housing and 95% of those with children strengthened and stabilized as a family. You know, as Doorways does, that everyone deserves a safe home.

Headquarters: VA-Arlington County

Where They Operate: VA-Arlington County

Age Groups Served: All

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic

Population(s) Served: All; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members


  • Number of Clients Served:   2,146 in FY13
  • % of clients who met goals of increased stability/self sufficiency in areas of housing, employment and economic wellness in FY13:   89%
  • % of clients exiting programs into safe, positive, long-term housing (FY13):   76%
  • Average increase in annual wealth accumulation by families participating in the Financial Independence Track (FY13):   $25,653
  • Number of adults & children assisted with protective orders and other legal protections to keep them safe from intimate partner violence, in FY13:   468

Awards & Recognition

2009 winner of The Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management from Center for Nonprofit Advancement

Awarded top ratings from Charity Navigator for eight years in a row.

Selected as “one of the great charities” in the December 2008 by Washingtonian magazine

Accredited by the The Virginia Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, indicating adherence to rigorous standards

Winner of the 2013 HomeAid of Northern Virginia Non-Profit Service Provider Project of the Year

Named a 2015 Best Nonprofit by the Arlington Sun Gazette

Awarded the 2014 James B. Hunter Human Rights Award

President & CEO, Caroline Jones, won the 2014 Brava Award

Press

Budget (FY2016)

  • The current budget for Doorways for Women and Families is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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