
A Message From CEO Nishtha Mohendra
"Friendship Shelter is powered by its people and accountable to the community it serves. I am honored to lead Friendship Shelter at a time when innovative, compassionate solutions are more important than ever.
Our mission is clear: to ensure that every individual experiencing homelessness in our community has access to safe, stable housing and the support they need to thrive. As CEO, I will focus on strengthening the organization’s sustainability, expanding prevention and housing pathways, and deepening community partnerships. Together with our dedicated team and valued partners, we will build on Friendship Shelter’s strong legacy while advancing impactful, data-driven solutions that create lasting change for Orange County community members in need."
Meet the Leadership Team

Nishtha Mohendra, MSW
President + CEO

Tracy Hartman
Director of Fund Development

Emerald Archer, PhD
Chief Operations Officer

Gabriella Littlejohn
Human Resources Generalist

Yvette Ahlstrom
Director of Programs
Board of Directors
Wendy Aird, President
Teddie Ray, Vice President
Michael Gamerl, Secretary
Doug Anderson
Lisa Bartlett
Constance Callen
James Donovan
Andrew Gerken, MD
Cindy Hauser
Vincent M. Jenkins
Edson McClellan
Ilene Munzinger
Kimberly Pollard
Roge Rupp
Tom Salinger
Cindy Shopoff
Shaena Stabler
