I serve on the board of directors because homelessness is an issue that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, religion, or race.  As a teacher, I’ve worked with families who don’t necessarily know where their next meal is coming from.  They don’t always have a safe place to stay.  I’ve seen, firsthand, how such issues have a lasting impact on the whole child-both physically and emotionally. Chronic homelessness has a ripple effect throughout the community.  It benefits us all to break the cycle, one family at a time.  I serve on the board of directors because I know that one person can make a difference.  

I know that I have been incredibly fortunate to have been given many advantages and the tools to lead a comfortable life.  While I love my community, I know that for too many, they haven’t had those same advantages and that in this area, with it’s extraordinary cost of living, that makes raising a family incredibly difficult.  As a result, I was hooked when I learned about The Dwelling Place’s ‘teach a man to fish’ approach to helping families become self-sufficient while maintaining a caring environment for both parents and children.

I wanted to join the Board of Directors for a few reasons. I had been actively selling real estate for 10 years witnessing many different phases of home ownership / rental. The excitement of a first time homeowner, the moving up phase of a growing family, the downsizing of an aging family, and the inability to continue to afford a home.  That last phase (inability to continue to afford a home) can strike anyone at any time, and made me realize that there are many uncontrollable circumstances that can lead to homelessness and I wanted to do more to help.

I believe in the mission of The Dwelling Place, but more than anything, I believe in the unwavering determination of our families. We offer the tools for their success, but ultimately they take them and run with it to offer their children, and themselves better opportunities for self-sufficiency. I am humbled to be part of an organization that does so much good for people and the community!

I first joined the Board in 2006. I have always considered it a part of one’s responsibility to contribute in a positive way to his community. Those experiencing homelessness have always captured by concern because of the challenges that lead to it and that arise from it. In doing my part, I hope to alleviate those challenges families face. This is a community often overlooked by society because of the complexities involved. But I take pride in doing what’s hard to help mitigate those burdens. Our staff truly goes above and beyond to help our families excel.