History of the Arlington Life Shelter

• 1987 - Cold weather shelter begun at First Presbyterian Church by concerned citizens
• 1987 - Agency led entirely by volunteers and 13 faith communities
• 1987 - Evening education program begun
• 1988 - Current Division Street facility opens Christmas Eve
• 1988 - Mayor Richard Greene assists with facility renovation
• 1989 - Non-profit status granted
• 1990 - First professional staff member hired
• 1991 - Recipient of Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service
• 1993 - Facility’s mortgage retired
• 1994 - Recipient of Hope Award for exemplary service to the homeless
• 1994 - Shelter capacity doubled to 87
• 1994 - Employment program begun
• 1997 - Transitional housing program begun
• 1998 - Substance abuse and mental health programs begun

• 1998 - Children’s program begun
• 1999 - Project Link Welfare to Work pilot program begun for the Arlington area
• 2000 - Recognized as Charter Member of UTA Service Learning Center
• 2000 - Each Baby Counts March of Dimes program begun
• 2001 - Agency name Arlington Night Shelter changed to Arlington Life Shelter to better reflect the agency’s mission
• 2001 - Telepsychiatry program begun for persons with major mental illness
• 2002 - PALS (Partners of the Arlington Life Shelter) Auxiliary formed
• 2006 - Recipient of Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Award
• 2007 - 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
• 2008 - Outreach services for the unsheltered chronic homeless piloted
• 2009 - Therapeutic arts program begun