A Non-profit Affiliate of CPLC

Who We Are

History and Mission

The 1980’s were a tipping point for homelessness in Los Angeles. Recognizing the severity of the crisis, community and government leaders came together to discuss the need for new organization that could help coordinate the efforts of homelessness services. Shelter Partnership’s founders, Ruth Schwartz and Judge Harry Pregerson were some of these leaders.

Ruth Schwartz co-founded Shelter Partnership in 1985 and served as its Executive Director for nearly 40 years. A dedicated advocate for people experiencing homelessness, she championed practical, dignity-centered solutions and led the creation of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Shelter Resource Bank, which has distributed millions of dollars in essential goods.

Judge Harry Pregerson, a World War II veteran and longtime federal judge, played a key role in expanding early shelter programs across Los Angeles, including services for homeless veterans.

On March 3rd, 1985, we opened our doors with only $5,000 in the bank and free office space donated to us by SRO Housing Corp. Since that day, Shelter Partnership has worked to established itself as a leader in the fight against homelessness in Los Angeles County. The agency accomplishes its mission through the following activities:

  • Operating the S. Mark Taper Foundation Shelter Resource Bank by soliciting large-scale donations of merchandise and ensuring that these items are delivered to the people and agencies who need them most;
  • Providing technical assistance to community-based organizations and public agencies (having helped agencies receive more than $1 billion in federal funds);
  • Conducting research and publishing analytical studies to inform public policy;

In 2025, Shelter Partnership joined the Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) family of nonprofits, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening communities and expanding support for people experiencing homelessness. CPLC is a longstanding community‑based nonprofit in 8 states, with deep roots in affordable housing, community development, and social services throughout the Southwest. Its Los Angeles office focuses on supporting local nonprofits and expanding resources for low‑income families, refugees, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Agency Mission Statement

Shelter Partnership is a nonprofit organization that amplifies the collective impact of partner agencies working to end homelessness and reduce poverty by collecting and redistributing new, donated goods, keeping usable items out of landfills, while also providing technical assistance to nonprofits and local governments.

Staff & Board of Directors

Our Staff

Emily Gold

Program Manager

emily.gold@shelterpartnership.org

Jennifer Marquez

Product Donation Manager

jennifer.marquez@shelterpartnership.org

Rhonda Villanueva

Program Manager

rhonda.villanueva@shelterpartnership.org

Kaylin Finley

Jr Resource Development Specialist

kaylin.finley@shelterpartnership.org

Jerry Ayala

Warehouse Manager

Brenda Blanco

Warehouse Assistant

Jesus Cardenas

Warehouse Assistant

Esteban Chairez

Warehouse Assistant

Our Board of Directors

Andres Contreras

Chair

CPLC Executive Vice President Integrated Health, Social Services & Education

Lance Simon

Vice Chair

Design Principal EGAN | SIMON Architecture

Nancy Lipman

Secretary

CPLC Executive Vice President Compliance, Risk & HR

Jesse Satterlee

Treasurer

CPLC Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Alicia Nunez

CPLC President & CEO

Patricia Duarte

CPLC Executive Vice President Home Ownership Initiatives

Max Gonzales

CPLC Executive Vice President Strategy & Relationship Management

Jose Martinez

CPLC Executive Vice President Economic Development

Thomas Duran

CPLC California Market President

Louise Oliver

Retired Regional Operations Officer Goodwill Southern California

Rodney Swan

President Swanco Enterprises

Juan Perea

Care Construction

Charmaine Atheron

Retired Senior Vice President Bank of America Community Development Company

Vince Iacopella

Alba Wheels Up

Financial Information

Shelter Partnership, Inc. is a non-profit tax-exempt organization recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and has been designated as a “public charity” under section 170(b)(1)(A)(VI) and 509(a)(1) of the Code.

Shelter Partnership, Inc. is funded through the private sector with annual fundraising campaigns, our Annual Dinner, as well as ongoing support from corporations, foundations and individuals. The agency is also funded by local city and county grants.

Shelter Partnership, Inc. is listed on Guidestar, a National Database of Nonprofit Organizations Web site.

If you have questions, or would like a copy of documents mailed to you, please contact Kaylin Finley (kfinley@shelterpartnership.org).