Alumni Spotlight: Lynn Thomas, Community Lodgings

Lynn Thomas is Executive Director of Community Lodgings, which supports families experiencing homelessness in Alexandria, Virginia, by providing transitional housing, affordable housing, and youth education programs. The Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership sat down with Lynn to discuss her work and time in the program.

CPNL: Tell me a little about yourself—your background, interests, and what brought you to your current role.

Lynn Thomas: I’ve been working at Community Lodgings for 10 years. I started working full-time 1985 at a housing agency, providing administrative support and answering telephones. Nonprofit work wasn’t my original career path; I wanted to be an accountant. However, I found happiness after working in a social service agency. I always had a passion for helping others, but I didn’t know how to tap into it. I love being able to help people, so I changed my major from Business Administration to Social Work. I find joy in being able to help people.

CPNL: Your work centers on providing essential and supportive services to people experiencing homelessness. Could you expand on this work?

Lynn Thomas: In my work supporting people experiencing homelessness, the focus is primarily on providing essential services aimed at addressing their immediate needs while also offering supportive measures to help them transition out of homelessness. Our case manager works closely with individuals to assess their needs, develop personalized plans, and connect them with appropriate services. Building a sense of community among those experiencing homelessness is important to us. We provide support groups, peer counseling, and recreational activities to foster connections. Our approach is holistic and person-centered, recognizing that each individual’s path out of homelessness is unique and requires tailored support. We collaborate among various sectors, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the community. This is essential to address homelessness and create sustainable solutions effectively.

CPNL: You’ve spent a number of years focused on setting up unhoused people to succeed. How has your work evolved over the years?

Lynn Thomas: My work supporting unhoused people has evolved in several ways, shaped by personal experiences and broader social services and community needs shifts. It’s not just about giving housing but also providing the support services accompanying it. Initially, my focus was primarily on immediate needs like shelter and food. However, over time, there has been a greater emphasis on holistic care that addresses the complex factors contributing to homelessness, such as mental health, substance abuse, trauma, and systemic barriers.

There’s been an increasing recognition of the importance of prevention and early intervention strategies to address homelessness before it becomes chronic. This includes efforts to stabilize individuals at risk of homelessness through eviction prevention programs, rapid rehousing initiatives, and supportive services. Overall, the evolution of my work has been guided by a commitment to fostering dignity, resilience, and long-term stability among individuals experiencing homelessness while also advocating for broader societal changes that promote social justice and equitable access to resources.

CPNL: Moving on to the Nonprofit Management Executive Program – what motivated you to enroll in the program, and what are some key takeaways from your time here?

Lynn Thomas: Enrolling in the Nonprofit Management Executive Program stemmed from a desire to enhance my leadership skills, deepen my understanding of nonprofit management principles, and gain insights into innovative approaches within the sector. I sought to strengthen my leadership capabilities, particularly in strategic planning, organizational development, and effective resource management. I was eager to connect with peers and mentors from diverse nonprofit backgrounds, fostering collaborations and learning from their experiences and perspectives.

CPNL: Since leaving the program, what work have you done that you’re most proud of?

Lynn Thomas: I’m proud of our work to ensure the organization’s financial health by implementing sound financial management practices, secure sustainable funding sources, and achieve revenue and resource growth. This was done by maintaining high transparency, accountability, and governance practices—and ensuring donors, stakeholders, and the community have confidence in the organization. I consider myself a lifelong learner. Currently, I am enrolled in Coaching for Healing, Justice, and Liberation certification training, which is meant for social justice movement leaders. I am continuously improving my leadership skills, adapting to challenges, and inspiring others to excel in achieving the organization’s mission.

CPNL: Finally, what advice would you give to other professionals who are considering participating in the certificate program?

Lynn Thomas: I would absolutely tell them to do it. I’ve encouraged several friends at work to apply to the program, and I’m constantly telling people to participate, because it gives you the resources that you need for your professional and even personal growth. And it connects you with those who are doing the same work you’re doing—which is so valuable.