Melissa King
Co-Executive Director
About ShelterTech
Built with the community
We envision a Bay Area where everyone can find and use no-cost human services, regardless of status, income, or circumstance.
Our history
Open since 2016
ShelterTech began with a simple belief: digital equity and connectivity are rights, not privileges. Since 2016, volunteers, community representatives, and partners have built practical tools that help people facing homelessness and housing insecurity move forward.
We reduce barriers by connecting people to human services, reliable internet access, and opportunities for healthier, more stable lives.
Collaboration
We build partnerships that make every part of the work stronger.
Community
We elevate the voices and expertise of the people our work is intended to serve.
Humanity
We uphold the dignity, needs, and rights of all.
Inclusivity
We treat equity and belonging as foundational, not optional.
Innovation
We stay practical and resourceful in meeting urgent community needs.
Integrity
We embrace responsibility and accountability in our work.
A note from our founder
“Living on the streets, I spent most of my time just trying to survive. I had a smartphone and could find WiFi, but there weren’t apps or websites to help me get off the streets. I founded ShelterTech to help bridge this digital divide.”
Darcel Jackson
Founder, ShelterTech
Leadership
People behind the work
A small operating team coordinates a broad community of volunteers, partners, and people with lived experience.
Bill Soward
Co-Executive Director
Renee Barnstone
Chief Financial Officer
Governance
Board of directors
Hicham Sabir
Head of ESG Platforms, Holtara
Head of ESG Platforms, Holtara
Derek Fidler
Director UX & Product Strategy, Flatpay
Director UX & Product Strategy, Flatpay
Joe Freund
Sr. Director Platform Engineering, MyVest
Sr. Director Platform Engineering, MyVest
Melissa King
COO, Healthspan Action Coalition
COO, Healthspan Action Coalition
Amy Kimura Schoemehl
Sr. VP Head of People, Goodwater
Sr. VP Head of People, Goodwater
Bill Soward
CEO, Titan Seal
CEO, Titan Seal
Richard Xia
Software Engineering Manager, SiFive
Software Engineering Manager, SiFive