Homes First 2023 Annual Impact Report

ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2023

A year of growth, a year of good

FROM TRUDY & CHRIS

Throughout the year, our commitment to providing quality service and support remained unwavering, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and resilience.

In 2023, Homes First saw substantial growth in organizational development, personal and professional advancements of our team, and positive impact on those we serve.

- Trudy Soucoup, CEO & Chris Lester, Board President

Homes First experienced substantial growth in 2023. Organizational growth and personal and professional advancements among our team, lead to a positive impact on the communities we serve. Despite challenges, our commitment to high quality service remained steadfast, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and resilience. Through collaborative efforts and dedication to our mission, Homes First reached new heights, marking 2023 as a pivotal year in our journey toward providing more homes to more people who need them most.

During this period, we acquired seven new properties, expanding our capacity to house 30 individuals in need. Progress was also made in enhancing

7 new properties acquired Doubled our maintenance staff Planning for eight more ADU units in the future

housing options, including beginning construction of accessory dwelling units in Lacey and of a conversion process for a property donated by the City of Tumwater. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to creating sustainable living environments.

We also saw organizational growth, doubling our maintenance staff and strengthening our leadership team. However, the year was tempered by the loss of a valued board member, Joey Debakker, whose contributions greatly enriched our organization.

Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to securing funding for further expansion and exploring innovative strategies to maximize resource utilization. Eight additional ADU projects are planned for the coming years, demonstrating our commitment to practical housing solutions.

We are committed to sharing our successes, fostering collaboration, and providing safe housing for those in need.

To stay updated on our progress, visit HomesFirst.org

OUR MISSION

Only with your support can we continue to create and maintain safe, healthy, and affordable rental homes for those who need them most.

We believe values begin at home.

RESPECT:

Instead of judging people by their past, stand by them and help them build their future. Treat them with respect and value the work it has taken for them to survive.

DIGNITY:

Show each resident that they are valued and worthy of being treated well, regardless of their past history.

EQUITY:

When we approach each resident with a lens to what they need individually to be successful, they can believe that we want the best for them. They will also better understand our expectations and the outcomes.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Life is full of choices. Some are made for us and some we make for ourselves. We work to empower people and support their life sustaining choices. We encourage residents to choose to be the creator of their own destiny, seek solutions, and take positive actions so they can find and retain a home.

PARTNERSHIPS:

Rather than being the answer to all our resident’ needs, we seek to partner with other groups to ‘share the work it takes to support the people serve’. Community partnerships include the formal and informal community connections, collaborative projects, and relationships that address tenants needs and goals.

COMMUNITY:

Building ongoing long-term relationships with organizations which complement our program and meet the needs of our residents is a powerful community development strategy. It takes a network of services to make our community stronger.

JEDI TEAM

JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

As a community member, I’ve always cared about humans and their right to access their basic needs. I have spent time in education, learning from experts and gaining a deep perspective about systems and how change is created, as I wanted to create the biggest impact I could in my lifetime.

I have worked in housing for almost 10 years at both Community Youth Services and the Housing Authority of Thurston County. In that time, I have spent a lot of time working to remove barriers and create pathways in housing for some of our most vulnerable adults in Thurston County. I have done this by building relationships with community partners and housing providers and then connecting my clients directly to where they could get into and maintain their housing. This also looks like staying in communication by offering a voice to support our housing providers and clients in solving small-minute conflicts that keep folx housed longer.

Joining Homes First early in 2023 was a smooth transition for me, based off of my experience and deep alignment with the Homes First mission and values. Trudy, our CEO, has dedicated her time here to building a positive work culture and has advocated for our residents and staff in more ways

As a leader in this organization, one of my (many) duties has been to partner with our JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) team.

than one. I have personally witnessed the exceptional efforts of the organization in our community. Homes First has effectively managed its expansion, transforming from a smaller NPO into a prominent presence in Thurston and Mason County(s). As we keep growing, it›s super important to take a moment and think about the impact we are making, where we›re at right now, and where we want to go in the future.

As a leader in this organization, one of my (many) duties has been to partner with our JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) team, which consists of two board members, myself, and another staff member at Homes First. We are partnering with Parfait Bassale’, whom we have hired as a consultant to support us with our JEDI work at our organization. We have taken a systematic approach to learning about what belonging means to us as individuals, as a team, and as an organization.

Parfait states: To belong is to be seen, heard, supported, and cared for by those who matter to us or those who impact our lives.

Rachael Childs, M.A. Deputy Director

Belonging comes before our basic needs. In a world that can make us feel disconnected and alone, finding our place and sense of belonging is important. That’s where housing comes in - it’s a fundamental need that helps us feel connected to the world and establishes the base for all our other needs. As a non-profit that works with some of the most vulnerable people in the housing community, it is our responsibility to look inward and assess how and what we can do to grow what we have and build a structure that creates better pathways for access to our organization and housing.

We will spend the next year with Parfait, our JEDI team, our board, and our staff at our organization exploring this. Leading this is a privilege, and I am passionate about supporting our team through this change and growing time.

We are a part of the solution and will continue to be in this community.

CATCHING UP WITH THE GOOZE FAMILY

FUTURE PLANNING FOR THE

It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years since we first met the Gooze family. They had been camping with their three kids and were looking for housing with no luck. They were not able to access affordable housing that was suitable for their family with an eviction in the past.

There were a few shelters that could take them without splitting up the family, which was not an option for them as their kids were just 7, 10, and 12 years old at the time.

When they found Homes First, things started to change. David told us that it felt like everything just fell into place when after about 6 months in the Out

of the Woods shelter, they moved into a Homes First home.

Then a web of community resources that included the Housing Authority, rental assistance, food stamps, the food bank, Sea Mar, and others came together to create a web of safety for their family.

Ocean Gooze graduated with a Paralegal Associates Degree in the summer of 2022

The stability of having a home allowed them to work on other things like mental health issues and finding good employment. Knowing that their basic needs were being met made all the difference.

Once they had a safe and stable place to live and didn’t have to fear losing their home, they could work on their goals and create a new life for themselves and their family.

David was able to start his own business as a contractor and now he is self-employed and works with Home Depot.

Ocean was able to go to college. She earned her associate degree in paralegal sciences in the summer of 2022. Ocean shared that “..It’s empowering to have this degree, and to have it in my back pocket.”

Today, their main goals are to get out of debt and retire! But for now they like the flexibility of setting their own schedules while being able to support their family. David dreams that maybe someday he’ll have people working for him, but right now he likes it the way it is.

Ocean likes being home with her family and

focusing on homeschooling. In the future she plans to use her degree to help with the administrative side of David’s business.

They are making good money, and are still able to stay in their home. They have been able to put down deep roots that continue to grow and support their family.

The kids are now 15, 18, and 20, all still living at home. Their oldest works at Anthony’s Grill in the kitchen. The two youngest are being homeschooled and preparing to get their GED.

The kids have good relationships with the neighbors. Sometimes neighbors hire the kids to help with garage sales or other tasks. They help each other out. The kids have positive adult role models all around them. There’s a sense of stability and being in the same place.

The Gooze family can now enjoy the simple things in life that so many people take for granted. Like spending time with family and doing fun stuff, and going to church.

When you don’t have stability, and the ability to provide for your family, you can’t do anything but worry.

Gooze Family in 2015, just after moving into a Homes First Home.

RESIDENTS & HOUSEHOLD NEED:

I really like my home because it doesn’t cost too much. Even though I don’t have a lot of money, my house is like a cozy place where I can have big dreams. It may not be fancy, but it feels like a safe and happy space where I can make all my wishes come true.

- Jesse T

MEMBER OF A CLUB OR CIVIC GROUP?

Connect us with them and we would be happy to speak at one of their meetings to share our mission and community impact.

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES

SHARE THE STORY OF HOMES FIRST

Invite your colleagues, friends, family, neighbors, or faith group friends to a short presentation of the Homes First mission. The presentation can be held at your place of work or worship, your home, a coffee shop or restaurant or at the Homes First office. This is NOT a fundraiser and we do NOT ask for money but is our way to have the community know us better.

Connect with us at: outreach@homesfirst.org

BUILDING A LASTING LEGACY:

DONATE HOMES TO TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES

AT THE HEART OF OUR NON-PROFIT’S MISSION lies the unwavering commitment to creating a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we invite you to consider a unique and enduring contribution that can shape the future for generations to come – the donation of homes as a legacy to our community. Your support in gifting homes to our nonprofit not only addresses the pressing issue of affordable housing but also lays the foundation for a transformative and sustainable impact.

Homes First has had three homes donated in the last five years! By donating homes, our supporters have become key players in the ongoing effort to provide safe and stable housing for individuals and families facing housing insecurity. These contributions goes beyond bricks and mortar; they becomes a symbol of hope, resilience, and community empowerment. These donated homes serve as a beacon of opportunity for those in need, offering a chance for stability, security, and a renewed sense of

belonging. As we work together to build a legacy of compassion and generosity, your donation of a home becomes a legacy that speaks volumes about your commitment to social responsibility and community well-being.

As we embark on this journey to create positive change, we recognize that the impact of your contribution extends far beyond the immediate beneficiaries. Your generosity will ripple through the community, inspiring others to join the cause and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. In the spirit of creating a legacy of compassion and service, we invite you to be a cornerstone of positive change by donating homes – an enduring gift that will echo through time, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those who need it most. Together, let us build a legacy of hope, one home at a time.

OUR VOLUNTEERS

THE IMPACT OF VOLUNTEERS IS IMMEASURABLE

We were fortunate in 2023 to have many and varied opportunities to engage volunteers without the constraints previously imposed by the COVID pandemic.

Our volunteer program saw robust growth in total volunteer hours from individual and group volunteers and in the number of folks expressing interest in joining our team as volunteers.

Our cadre of office and remote individual volunteers has grown, with five regularly joining us at our office, offering their expertise, time, and talents to support our staff and take on complicated and timeintensive projects. These folks are distinct in their willingness to do any task we ask of them and their broad talents and skills. We continue to benefit from the work of several remote volunteers skilled in writing and computer-based projects.

Homes First was gifted in 2023, with multiple volunteer groups assisting with various projects. Groups who have volunteered with Homes First for many years continue to commit to primarily outdoor clean-up and painting jobs and have been available for other last-minute projects when needed.

Would you like to volunteer?

Get in touch with us to get connected.

We are fostering group volunteer opportunities with multiple local Starbucks stores, as well as with local Boy Scout troops who have members seeking the rank of Eagle Scout and are taking on one-time maintenance projects as a part of that endeavor.

We created a unique opportunity for North Thurston High School Drafting students to computerize hand-drawn floor plans of our newly purchased properties. Students were offered training they might not otherwise have given the

diminishing use of hand drawings in lieu of CAD programs, and Homes First was gifted a quality product.

Finally, yet not the least, is the beneficence offered by our Board of Directors. Our Board guides us with amazing skill, broad representation, and a thorough commitment to our vision and mission.

Dyana

Todd, Programs Services Navigator & Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteering at Homes First allows me to make a difference in someone’s life, and it feels good to be part of a community that cares about providing homes and hope to those in need.

- Wade B

1570

HOURS OF VOLUNTEER LABOR IN 2023

$59,000

IN FINANCIAL SAVINGS

I spend my time helping at Homes First because I believe everyone deserves a place to call home.

- Angela W

Beyond the financial benefit, having dedicated volunteers represents a commitment to personal enrichment, our organization’s growth, and our community’s overall health. Homes First is deeply grateful for the gifts bestowed on us by our volunteers and looks forward to an ongoing and evolving relationship with them.

LEFT: Keller Williams Red Day

TOP: Starbucks crew painting a home donated to Homes First

BOTTOM: Eagle Scout Project

OUR DONORS

We contribute to Homes First because we believe in the power of a stable home. As a business, we recognize our responsibility to support the community where we operate. By investing in Homes First, we aim to be a catalyst for positive change, fostering a foundation for individuals and families to build better futures through the security of a home.

- Mark M.

Angie Cellucci

Craig Chance

Luellen

Stacie Belman

Jane Beyer

Thera Black

Larry Blume

Carissa Bourdon

Roberta Adams

Jim Albert

Janine Alden

Jay Allen

Meggan Anderson

Larry Arlint

Jeffrey Ashley

Peggy Barnes

Laura Barnoski

Jessica Bateman

Bruce Batson

David Bayne

Lois Beck

Michael F. Bell

Kathleen

Bellefeuille-Rice

Sami BrasierAgnew

Heidi L. Brown

Marilyn Bucsko

Henry Burns

Michael Cade

Sarah Caldwell

Gina Carlson

Kay Caromile

Dorrie Carr

Harold Carr

Jean Carr

Sharon Carrier

Roussa Cassel

Sayuri Castaneda

Tenorio

Charneski

Sherry Chilcutt

Rachael Childs

Laura Cladas

Annie Clay

Debra Clemens

Rob Cole

Nancy Connery

Thomasina

Cooper

Carolyn Cox

Kathy Cox

Trinalynn Cruz

Joan Cullen

Clydia Cuykendal

Diane Dakin

Barb Davis

Myra Davis

Bill Dawson

Johannes & Arline Debakker

Johannes (Joey)

DeBakker

Odd DeBakker

Matt DeBord

Annette Deines

Allison Dellwo

Dusti Demarest

Denise Demers

Jeffrey Deuel

Sara Develle

Sandra

DiBernardo

Beth & Eddy

Doglio Cates

Lane Dorcy

Susan Dubuisson

William &

Kathleen

Dunning

Lorena Eaton

Rachel Eaton

Eric Eisenberg

Lyla Elliott

Amy Evans

Harding

Susan Faubion

Gail Feagins

Cecilia Felix

Daya Fields

Daryl Fourtner

Phyllis Freitas

Paul Gamble

Christine Garst

Valerie Gerst

Debra Gildner

Clark Gilman

Annie Gjertson

Shannon Glenn

Alexandra R.

Goodrich

Kevin Gordham

Ronald Gourdeau

Jeannine

Granberg

Kelly Green

Cathi

Greenwood

Nikki Grubbs

Jeannie Gruber

Rose & Arne

Gundersen

Kathryn

Guykema

Kirk Haffner

Karen Hall

Shy-Anne Haney

Leta Hankins

Cheryl & Selden

Hanks/Hall

Diana Hanson

Fred & Melody

Hanson

Jami Hanson

Michelle Hanson

Elizabeth & Richard Hauser

Dixie Havlak

Chris Hawkins

Tonya Hennen

Hank Henry

George (Woody)

Hill

Maureen Hill

Thomas Hill

Elizabeth Hines

Sarah Hodge

Christine Hoffmann

Francis Holganza

James B Hovis

Janae Huber

Darcy Huffman

Trudi Inslee

Jacquelyn Jacobs

Peggy Jamerson

Christina Janis

Kerry Janovitch

Veronica Jarvis

Cathy Johnson

Richard Kalman

Mark Kaufman

Min Kaye

Amy Keltner

Judith Kennedy

Matt Kennelly

Mark Kitabayashi

Nancy Kmet

Peter Kmet

Hope Knox

Paul Knox

Anne Kunkle

Thea LaCross

Linda Lamb

Robert Lane

Barb Lantz

Kevin Lautz

Marcy LaViollette

Patrick LaViollette

Michal Ledesma

Lindsey Lee

Kathy Leitch

Jim Lengenfelder

James Leonard

Catrina Lester

Chris Lester

Eileen LeVan

Renee Lewis

Vicki Lewis

Rebecca Liebman

Jena Embry Loes

Laura Love

Daniel Lowe

Joyce L Mackiewicz

Angela Maki

Gretchen Maliska

Jasmine Marcheselli

Noah Martin

Virginia Marum

Jenna Mason

Christie Masterson

Anne Matthews

Jill P. May

Sandra McClanahan

Karen McClennen

Kathy McCormick

Mike McCormick

Bill McGregor

Jeanette McKague

Carolina Mejia

Darriel W

Menefee

Tye Menser

Michelle Mewhinney-

Angel

Scott Michie

Shannon

Michlitsch

Judy Miller

Courtney Misner

Nicole Montoya

Beth Morrison

Alan MountjoyVenning

Michael Murphy

Theresa Murphy

Brandy Nelms

Sandra J. Nelson

Rachel Newmann

Carol Nicolay

Celia Nightingale

Iraina Nitz

Susan Noble

Ellen O'Brien

Saunders

Diana Olegre

John Oliver

Renee Oram

Haley Ortega

Shana Osmer

Leslie Owen

Erica Palkovitz

Melina Palmer

Leslie Panowicz

Lisa Parshley

Nick Parsons

Cynthia Peck

Nathan Peters

Kimberly Piper

Dudley J. Pitchford

Rebeca Potasnik

Cynthia Pratt

Dani Rader

Jenna Randich

Kathy Randich

Karen Ray

Kathryn & C. Garry

Reid

Enid Rhone

Sarah Rich

Dallas Roberts

Jami Roberts

Mary Roberts

Jennifer Roberts-Echtle

Wendy Robinson

Ann Rockway

Jeannine Roe

Karen Romanelli

Charles Romero

Jill Rose

Stephen Rowe

Barbara Rudolph

Kirsten Rue

Lillian Ryan

Anna Schlecht

Rachel Schmidt

Vincent Schueler

Amanda Schuyler

Rae Sherk

Alison Sinclair

Don Sloma

Joel Slovick

Lisa Smith

Peri Smith

R. Peggy Smith

Nancy Snyder

Trudy Soucoup

Wayne Souza

Kevin Sparks

James F. Speaks

Jim Stanton

Hallee

Starborn-Aguilar

Joyce Steckler

Nancy Stevenson

Ronnie Stewart

Karla Stoll

Harriet Strasberg

Danny Stusser

Rod Tharp Susan

McRae

Eileen Swarthout

Tim Sweeney

Wendy Tanner

Laura Grace

Tarpley

Monica Taylor

Evette Temple

Charli Terminelli

Priscilla Terry

Dyana Todd

Amy Tousley

Kris Tucker

Margaret Tudor

Tony Usibelli

Karen Valenzuela

Leslie Van Leishout

Ann Vandeman

Ashley VanZuyt

Robin Vazquez

Beverly Vincent

Mike Walsh

Cathy Wasserman

Claire Wendle

Kim Westall

Angela White

Gordon White

Mary Williams

Mimi Williams

Nicole Williams

Brett Willis

Lynn Wofford

Corinn Wohl

Christiane

Wollaston-Joury

Elizabeth Xayavongsa

Jesse Yoder

Amber Young

Kim & Jeff Young

Mikel Young

Dr. Jerome Zechmann

We believe that everyone deserves a place to call home, and by contributing to Homes First, we’re putting our money where our beliefs are. -

FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS: IN KIND DONORS:

Amazon Smile

Cap City Law PS

Combined Fund Drive (CFD)

Facebook

Fidelity Charitable

First United Methodist Church

Give Lively Foundation

Kroger

Movement Foundation

Nisqually Indian Tribe

North Thurston

Education Foundation

Olympia Community Solar

Olympia Master Builders

Puget Sound Energy Foundation

Rotary Club of Olympia

Seattle Foundation

South Puget Sound

Community College Foundation

Squaxin Island Tribe

St. Benedict's Episcopal Church

Stormans INC

Target

The CoHo Team of Windermere Agents

The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound

The Norcliffe Foundation

TisBest Philanthropy

Tulalip Tribes

Wells Fargo Bank

Windermere Real Estate/Olympia Olympia Community Solar Phillips Burgess PLLC

WIN Home Inspections

Pete Sutch

Ravens Brew Coffee

StarBucks

Metro Paint

Anna

HEROES FOR HOUSING DONORS: PARTNERS:

CHAMPION SPONSORS:

COMMUNITY SPONSORS:

Artisan's Group

Back Office Services

Bank of the Pacific

Capitol Pump Resources

Johnson, Stone & Pagano, P.S.

North Thurston School District

South Sound Solar

SPSCC

Timberland Bank

TwinStar Credit Union

CHALLENGE SPONSORS:

Lifespan Construction, Inc.

Port Blakely

OBEE Credit Union

Thurston County Title Company

SCJ Alliance

Steve Garrett

1st Security Bank

Cabinets by Trivonna Heritage Bank

Umpqua Bank

PROUD MEMBERS OF:

2023 VOLUNTEER GROUPS

Boy Scout Troop 9048

Day of Caring - United Way

Genuine Healthcare

Keller Williams Red Day

Thurston County Realtors Association

Starbucks

While my wallet may be light, my heart is heavy with gratitude for my home. In the simplicity of my humble abode, I’ve found a sanctuary where dreams can take root, and where the true measure of wealth is the warmth of the walls that shelter my aspirations.

- Sam N.

City of Olympia

The Norcliffe Foundation

The Community Foundation

Rotary Club of Olympia

Squaxin Island Tribe

Tulalip Tribe

HOW YOU CAN HELP

CONTRIBUTIONS

Become a monthly donor! check/cash online giving gifts in wills workplace giving Combined Fund Drive memorials stock property

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Heroes for Housing Breakfast Real Community Heroes Awards & Celebration landscape support advisory committees

administrative support painting support

All Trades needed to help turn houses into homes.

DONATE SUPPLIES/ TOOLS

12” chop saw 10” table saw

Want to support our work?

donate@homesfirst.org

Residing in affordable housing has truly transformed our family’s life. It’s more than just a place to live; it’s a haven that has brought us closer together. This home has given us a sense of security and belonging, allowing us to thrive as a family unit. We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to create cherished memories and build a brighter future under this roof.

- Jessica & Richard N

A-frame ladders, (a 4ft, 6ft, 8ft)

storage sheds

50’ x 1/2” cable electric drain/sewer snake clean out

2023 FINANCIALS

* Representative only. Not an audited financial statement.

SUPPORT HOUSING AS A SPONSOR

As we pursue positive change within our communities,Homes First stands committed to addressing the critical issue of affordable housing. We are reaching out to local businesses to join us in this endeavor and become sponsors of our mission, recognizing the shared responsibility we all have in building a stronger, more inclusive society.

THE POWER OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS:

At the heart of our efforts lies a commitment to providing sustainable housing solutions for low-income families in Thurston and Mason counties. We have witnessed the transformative impact that businesses can have on community development, and we invite you to consider becoming a valued sponsor of Homes First.

Our commitment to excellence includes creating stable and affordable housing options for people facing financial challenges. By becoming a sponsor, you contribute to our projects and position your business as a leader in corporate social responsibility, positively impacting the lives of individuals and families in need.

By becoming a sponsor of Homes First, your business has the chance to be a catalyst for transformative change within our community.

We understand that each business has unique goals and objectives. That's why we offer a range of sponsorship levels and associated benefits that can be customized to align with your company's values and priorities. We can create a customized sponsorship package to match your corporate social responsibility goals, whether you want to support a specific project or explore new opportunities.

RECOGNIZING YOUR IMPACT: TAILORED SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: SCHEDULE A MEETING:

We invite you to explore this unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate. We would be delighted to arrange a meeting at your convenience to discuss how your sponsorship can align with our initiatives and further enhance the positive impact on our community.

As a sponsor, your company's contribution will be prominently recognized through various channels, including acknowledgment in our promotional materials, social media platforms, and events. This visibility not only highlights your commitment to social welfare but also reinforces your company's positive brand image within the community.

Thank you for considering this partnership and for contributing to the vision of a community where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you!

For details or to express your interest, please contact: NATE MAZZUCA: developmentdirector@homesfirst.org

Or explore the opportunities that await you at HOMESFIRST.ORG/SPONSOR

FUTURE PLANS FOR THE

In 2024, our goal is to replicate our success in our variety of housing types, both single-family and shared housing. We will provide housing that is both affordable and provides appropriate support services or case management in partnership with other community organizations.

WHAT IS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING?

Supportive housing is a combination of housing and services intended as a cost-effective way to help people live more stable, productive lives, and is an active “community services and funding” stream across the United States.

Supportive housing is widely shown to work well for those who face the most complex challenges—individuals and families confronted with housing instability who also have very low incomes and/or serious, persistent issues and serious challenges to a successful life.

My life has completely turned around since moving into my Homes First home. I used to struggle to pay my rent on my limited income and now I can make ends meet and still have a little left over for fun.

- Patsy P.

LOOKING AHEAD

Homes First has a vision to help create vibrant communities, where everyone has a safe and healthy home they can afford, so that they have hope for a better future.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chris Lester President/Chair

Mary Roberts

Imm. Past Chair

Thomasina Cooper Vice President

Evette Temple Treasurer

Jeannine Roe Secretary

Danielle Bryant

Shannon Glenn

Olivia Hickerson

Renee Lewis

Dannette Molina

Wayne Souza

HOMES FIRST STAFF

Ceder Blue Maintenance Technician I

Jenna Brannon Executive Admin Assistant

Tameka Brown Maintenance Technician I

Carlos Calderon Maintenance Technician I

Rachael Childs Deputy Director

Keith Garlinghouse Property Manager

Felly Giorgianni Jr. Maintenance Coordinator

Jena Embry Loes Director of People and Culture

Nate Mazzuca Resource Development Director

Amy Sewell Finance Coordinator

Trudy Soucoup Chief Executive Officer

Ron Stewart Director of Programs & Assets

Dyana Todd Program Services Navigator

Candace Wood Director of Finance

Board & Staff as of February 28, 2024

Christine Hoffman with Board Members Shannon Glenn & Chris Lester

Carlos Calderon, Keith Garlinghouse, Ceder Blue & Tameka Brown

SAVE THE DATE!

HEROES FOR HOUSING FUNDRAISING BREAKFAST 2024

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 7:45 am -9:00 am

TWINSTAR EVENT CENTER at SPSCC in LACEY

SCAN FOR INFO

OLIVIA HICKERSON , a real community hero using her powers to support more housing for those who need a home!

MEET OUR 2024 REAL COMMUNITY HEROES!

Every year, Homes First hosts a public celebration in the spring to honor these remarkable heroes who dedicate their time and energy to this cause. Each year’s heroes are chosen by the previous year’s winners.

SCAN FOR INFO AND TICKETS

Join us at the 9th Annual REAL COMMUNITY HERO AWARDS & CELEBRATION

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 @ 5:30PM at The HERITAGE ROOM

Kevin Gordham Real Estate Agent, Keller WilliamsSouth Sound

Hana Klimek Program Manager, Peer Olympia

Kim Kondrat Homeless Response Coordinator, City of Olympia

& our Inaugural President’s Awardee: Tracie Dutton Kokua Services