Stephanie Booker - Founder
This is my balance. I work hard and play ever harder. International traveler.
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Richard "Tut" Carter - Stephanie's late husband who inspired her to persevere.
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I walked away from cubicles to pursue my career and direct my own organization. I have not regrets of my decision for freedom, peace, and tranquility.
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Stephanie Booker
Founder & CEO, A Home Is A Right (AHARI)
Stephanie Booker is the visionary Founder and CEO of A Home Is A Right (AHARI), a Philadelphia-based nonprofit dedicated to providing permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans and their families. Founded in 2011 as her master’s capstone project, AHARI was coached by her late husband, Richard Carter, a Vietnam veteran. After his passing on April 5, 2019, Stephanie carried forward their shared mission with unwavering dedication and purpose.
Stephanie holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. She brings over 20 years of experience as a certified HUD landlord, seasoned property investor, and rehab specialist. As a general contractor, she has overseen the rehabilitation of multiple investment properties, working directly with the Bureau of Zoning Board, securing variances, and advocating successfully for land acquisition. Her persistence led to AHARI acquiring 1.3 acres of land in the gentrified University City section of Philadelphia after a three-year campaign with the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
Stephanie's leadership is deeply rooted in personal experience with homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Her lived experience fuels a trauma-informed, peer-led approach to service delivery. As she once shared:
“I am a product of the environment that I serve… I know the struggles… to try and be a productive citizen in life.”
Under her guidance,
AHARI has formed strategic partnerships with organizations such as Highmark Wholecare, Good360, Ocean State Job Lot, The Small Thing, Councilwoman Gauthier, and St. Joseph University to provide support with food insecurities, clothing, shoes, furniture, and critical resources to veterans. She is currently leading the development of AHARI Village, a permanent housing community for 10–12 veterans and their families, designed with wraparound services to promote long-term stability and independence.
Stephanie has raised over $2 million in funding and in-kind support, including major grants from PHMC, Local Share Funds, FHLB-Pittsburgh, Temple University, and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Her work has been recognized citywide—most notably when 6ABC News honored her as a Hometown Hero in 2022 for her commitment to the veteran community.
Certifications & Credentials:
Stephanie Booker’s journey exemplifies resilience, vision, and a lifelong commitment to community-centered advocacy.
Founder & CEO, A Home Is A Right (AHARI)
Stephanie Booker is the visionary Founder and CEO of A Home Is A Right (AHARI), a Philadelphia-based nonprofit dedicated to providing permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans and their families. Founded in 2011 as her master’s capstone project, AHARI was coached by her late husband, Richard Carter, a Vietnam veteran. After his passing on April 5, 2019, Stephanie carried forward their shared mission with unwavering dedication and purpose.
Stephanie holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. She brings over 20 years of experience as a certified HUD landlord, seasoned property investor, and rehab specialist. As a general contractor, she has overseen the rehabilitation of multiple investment properties, working directly with the Bureau of Zoning Board, securing variances, and advocating successfully for land acquisition. Her persistence led to AHARI acquiring 1.3 acres of land in the gentrified University City section of Philadelphia after a three-year campaign with the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.
Stephanie's leadership is deeply rooted in personal experience with homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Her lived experience fuels a trauma-informed, peer-led approach to service delivery. As she once shared:
“I am a product of the environment that I serve… I know the struggles… to try and be a productive citizen in life.”
Under her guidance,
AHARI has formed strategic partnerships with organizations such as Highmark Wholecare, Good360, Ocean State Job Lot, The Small Thing, Councilwoman Gauthier, and St. Joseph University to provide support with food insecurities, clothing, shoes, furniture, and critical resources to veterans. She is currently leading the development of AHARI Village, a permanent housing community for 10–12 veterans and their families, designed with wraparound services to promote long-term stability and independence.
Stephanie has raised over $2 million in funding and in-kind support, including major grants from PHMC, Local Share Funds, FHLB-Pittsburgh, Temple University, and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Her work has been recognized citywide—most notably when 6ABC News honored her as a Hometown Hero in 2022 for her commitment to the veteran community.
Certifications & Credentials:
- Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)
- Forensic Peer Specialist (FPS)
- WRAP Facilitator
Stephanie Booker’s journey exemplifies resilience, vision, and a lifelong commitment to community-centered advocacy.