Meet our new Shelter Manager, Kendra McCartle

From overnight shifts to leading the entire shelter team, Kendra McCartle’s journey at Housing Transitions is a true example of dedication, compassion, and growth.

Kendra first joined Housing Transitions in 2016 as a member of our night staff. In 2023, she stepped into the role of Night Staff Supervisor, and in September 2025, she joined our day staff team full time. In May 2026, Kendra reached a career goal she had been working toward for years when she was promoted to Shelter Manager.

Originally from Mifflin County, Kendra now calls Centre County home. Outside of work, she stays busy raising her three children: her four-year-old twins, Vinnie and Winnie, and her eleven-year-old son, Trevlynn.

Anyone who has walked through our shelter has likely seen Kendra’s creativity throughout the building. She has painted artwork for all of our resident rooms, created food-themed paintings for the kitchen, and transformed the footstools in both family bathrooms with her artistic touch. She also loves making the shelter feel warm and welcoming by decorating for every holiday throughout the year.

When asked what she loves most about her job, Kendra shared that it is “meeting with people and brightening their day a little bit as we work through what their barriers are.” She enjoys building relationships with residents and being part of their journey as they work toward stability and independence. One of the most challenging parts of her role is knowing that she cannot make decisions for others. “We can't make decisions for people, even if we know they aren't making the best ones,” she shared. Even during those difficult moments, Kendra continues to provide support, encouragement, and a safe place for residents to work through their challenges.

Kendra knows she is exactly where she wants to be. A career in social services has always been meaningful to her, and becoming Shelter Manager was the goal she set for herself 10 years ago. She loves seeing the community come together for Housing Transitions and says the donations and support from the community “warm her heart.”

Those who know Kendra would describe her as personable, creative, and easy going. Her supervisor shared this about her: “Kendra is like the mom of the shelter — she knows where everything is and she is able to do anything. She anticipates the needs of every person that works and lives at our shelter!”

We are incredibly grateful for Kendra’s leadership, creativity, and heart for the people we serve. Her dedication helps make Housing Transitions not just a shelter, but a welcoming place where people feel supported during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.