About me
Shannon Porter is the Executive Director of Mercy House, Inc., a homeless services agency and family shelter in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, specializing in housing and homelessness. Before joining Mercy House in 2014, he led one of the nation's largest family homeless shelter programs as Vice President of Re-Housing and Stabilization Services at HAP Housing (now Wayfinders, Inc.) in Springfield, Massachusetts.
In 2013, Shannon completed a policy fellowship at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, focusing on removing employment barriers for the chronically homeless. Since then, he has been a vocal advocate for affordable housing and policy reform in Virginia.
Shannon holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Wyoming, a Master of Public Administration from the University of LaVerne, and a post-graduate certificate in Strategic Leadership from James Madison University. His work has been recognized with the 2020 Excellence in Public Service Award from James Madison University and the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Housing Leadership Award for his leadership and advocacy in affordable housing and homelessness solutions.
