Victoria’s involvement with Café Momentum started as a chance encounter. While working as a server at a Mexican restaurant in Fort Worth, her former boss invited her to a “staging” shift at his new workplace, which turned out to be Café Momentum. Victoria Shepherd Burnett immediately fell in love with the café’s mission of providing at-risk youth with stable jobs and educational opportunities. Initially, Victoria Burnett worked part-time at Café Momentum, but as the café expanded and needed more staff, she joined full-time. Her experience at Café Momentum deeply impacted her, especially hearing the stories of young employees struggling with unstable housing. This exposure inspired Victoria to take action. She began by offering temporary custody to a girl who had fallen ill and could no longer work at Café Momentum. This act of kindness laid the groundwork for what would become The Shepherd Inn. Transitioning from an employee at Café Momentum to founding her own nonprofit was challenging. Victoria admits she had no prior experience and relied heavily on asking questions and seeking guidance from her mentors.

Finding the first location for The Shepherd Inn was a pivotal moment. Victoria Shepherd Burnett discovered a house in the Wheatley Historic District in South Dallas, near Cornerstone Crossroads Academy, where the first girl she took in was a student. Through persistence and determination, she navigated the complexities of home buying, eventually securing a three-bedroom house with the help of a first-time home buying grant and support from her parents. This house became a safe haven for her and other young mothers and children in need.

Victoria’s personal life also intertwined with her mission. She met her husband, Bryan, through Facebook dating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bryan, a home builder, and renovator, complements Victoria’s abilities perfectly, providing the backbone for the organization’s operations. Together, they have created a supportive and nurturing environment for the residents of The Shepherd Inn, demonstrating the power of love and teamwork in making a difference.

Victoria and Bryan eventually helped a mother and her teenage daughter transition from living in a costly motel to securing stable housing. This experience underscored her belief that significant life changes can be achieved with short-term support, leading to the creation of a 100-day no cost program aimed at providing housing, food, and support to those in need.

The program’s success was evident from the start. The first mother-daughter duo saved enough within a few months to purchase a car and secure an apartment. This prompted Victoria to formalize the 100-day no cost program, which includes options for supportive and transitional housing post-program, ensuring a sustainable path to independence. This model caters to various demographics, including single women, couples with small families, and older women with pets, allowing them to transition and save money over a year to eventually secure their own housing.

In 2022, Victoria expanded The Shepherd Inn to include a recovery center component, reflecting her personal battle with addiction. Despite overcoming addiction to hard drugs, she struggled with alcohol dependency, which intensified after a traumatic emergency C-section and postpartum depression. Her family’s support during this dark period allowed her to seek treatment and emerge stronger, ready to extend help to others in similar situations.

The recovery center’s success is attributed to its strategic location and community-oriented approach. Unlike many recovery facilities situated in isolated areas, The Shepherd Inn’s proximity to essential amenities such as grocery stores, corner stores, and bus stops makes it accessible for clients who often lack transportation. This practical setup addresses the immediate needs of clients, enabling them to find jobs and maintain their recovery.

The Shepherd Inn’s low relapse rate is a testament to its effective model. Victoria’s hands-on experience and the feedback from exit surveys indicate that accessibility and community support are critical factors in successful recovery. The organization’s reliance on volunteers and the dedication of Victoria and her husband, Bryan, who are unpaid, further highlight the grassroots nature of their mission. Bryan’s expertise in home building and renovations has been instrumental in expanding the housing options for clients, ensuring they have a safe and supportive environment.

The Shepherd Inn’s expansion in 2023 was driven by necessity and opportunity. With the help of real estate investors and community donations, Victoria and Bryan have been able to provide affordable housing to more individuals in need. Their willingness to move frequently and adapt to new locations has enabled them to continue offering vital support to those transitioning out of the 100-day no cost program.

The Shepherd Inn also offers job training and skill-building opportunities, a component that developed organically during the COVID-19 pandemic. With two homes and six teenage girls unable to work due to lockdowns, Victoria drew on her diverse experiences working on vineyards and orchards around the world. She applied her knowledge of commercial cleaning and, alongside her husband, utilized their skills to create employment opportunities for the girls.

Victoria and her husband started by taking over cleaning Airbnbs, paying the girls $15 an hour. Those who preferred more hands-on work joined her husband in maintenance tasks. This setup eventually evolved into creative workshops where the girls participated in projects like making lamps and lights, selling their creations at the farmer’s market and keeping the profits. This aspect of job training, inspired by the structured approach at Café Momentum, has been instrumental in developing the work ethic and skills of the residents at The Shepherd Inn.

As of now, The Shepherd Inn has expanded significantly. With 11 rental properties in Dallas, split between South Dallas and Old East Dallas, they provide 39 adult beds and have the capacity for up to 18 children’s beds. The rising costs of renting in Dallas led to the expansion into Corsicana, where there is a critical need for treatment centers and sober living facilities. Despite the challenges, Victoria has established a no-cost program in Corsicana, currently housing five residents. A significant milestone in this expansion was the opening of a brick-and-mortar store in downtown Corsicana, fulfilling a long-time dream of hers and providing a new avenue for the organization’s workshops and sales.

Looking ahead, Victoria’s goals for The Shepherd Inn focus on achieving long-term sustainability through property ownership. Renting, while effective initially, is not a viable long-term solution due to escalating costs. Victoria envisions owning a series of fourplexes or having a house or small complex donated. The ideal scenario would involve donated land where her husband and his team could construct the necessary facilities, ensuring a permanent home for the organization. This move would mitigate the financial strain caused by rising property taxes and maintenance costs associated with rental properties.

Victoria’s unwavering commitment to her cause is evident in her plans for the future. She is determined to find permanent solutions and continue expanding The Shepherd Inn’s reach, providing stability and support for more women and families in need. Her call to action emphasizes the need for donations of land or property to help achieve this dream, ensuring the sustainability and growth of The Shepherd Inn.