Julie Hamilton Named Chair of the Board of Directors for Facing Forward
Facing Forward to End Homelessness recently elected +Intention’s Principal, Julie Hamilton to Chair of the Board of Directors. Julie has served on the board since 2015.
The organization’s mission is to end homelessness for families and individuals by offering hope, help, and housing. Facing Forward uses a housing first model and provides people with education, advocacy, and social services to help them meet their goals.Julie answered a few questions about her time with Facing Forward and what she looks forward to in the future.
How did you get involved with Facing Forward?
Before I knew about the organization, a question that bothered me about homelessness was, “What can I do as an individual?” I didn’t know what was out there that could really make an impact. I met Doug Bradshaw, the Executive Director, when he presented Facing Forward at a business meeting. I decided that was my window to help. A couple days later, I ran into him at a bagel shop. I introduced myself, got to know him, and learned more about the organization. I was excited about their holistic approach. Their strategy was sustainable and about genuine impact rather than temporarily plugging a hole.
Facing Forward starts with permanent supportive housing. People need a place to stay to move forward with their life. Giving someone resources won’t help because if they don’t have a place to stay, they’re going to focus their energy on that. From there, Facing Forward provides additional resources to their clients. They strike a balance of grace, accountability, and responsibility. The individual decides for themselves what’s important to address in order to set up the life they want. That’s the first time I’ve encountered that type of approach. The results show for themselves – for the past five years, 85% of our clients have ended their cycle of homelessness.
What does your role as Chair mean to you?
It’s one thing to be a leader at an organization, and it’s another to use that experience for the good of a nonprofit. I love being able to put my skills to work in a different capacity and support the future growth and potential of Facing Forward.
What makes the organization’s mission powerful for you?
Homelessness and chronic homelessness are big issues that feel overwhelming to address as an individual. What’s powerful for me is being part of an organization that has such a significant impact. By getting involved with Facing Forward, in some small way, I’m helping to make a difference. Hope is really possible.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
I’m excited about the potential of Facing Forward. The board and team have worked together to build a strategic plan for even more success and impact in the next several years. I’m excited for the team to accomplish the goals and aspirations we’ve set for ourselves.
I’m so proud of the work of the team at Facing Forward. Every time we think we’ve reached a new level of serving clients and helping them move forward, the team brings even more innovative ways of supporting this community and helping them end the cycle of homelessness. I’m genuinely proud of the team we have in place, and the work they’re doing feels like it’s just the beginning.