The Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness holds an annual Board of Directors election by a vote of its membership. There are five available Board of Director positions for the current election term. Each term is for three years.

Below are statements and resumes for all of the individuals who expressed interest in joining the Board of Directors. Please take the time to learn more about each of the individuals who generously volunteered to serve on the AKCH2 Board. Feel free to email them if you have any questions about their interests or background.

After reviewing their information, please fill out the 2024 AKCH2 Board Election ballot.

2024 Board Member Applicants (alphabetical order by first name)

Bailey Gent, Executive Director, Family Promise of Juneau - juneau, ak

As the Executive Director of Family Promise of Juneau, I have dedicated my career to addressing the critical issues surrounding housing insecurity and homelessness in our community. It is with this passion and commitment that I seek to further contriburte to the important work being done by your organization.

Having worked closely with families experiencing homelessness in Juneau, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that stable housing can have on individuals and communities. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, I believe we can make meaningful strides toward ensuring that every Alaskan has access to safe, affordable housing.

My experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement has equipped me with the skills necessary to effectively contribute to the board of the Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness. I am deeply committed to advancing the Coalition’s mission of advocating for policies and initiatives that address the root causes of homelessness and promote housing stability for all Alaskans.

In addition to my professional experience, I bring a strong sense of dedication, integrity, and empathy to the table. I am eager to collaborate with follow board members, stakeholders, and community partners to develop comprehensive solutions that will have a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

I am particularly inspired by the Coalition’s multi-faceted approach to addressing housing and homelessness, which includes advocacy, education, and capacity building. I am confident that my background and expertise align closely with the needs and objectives of the Coalition, and I am eager to contribute my insights and perspectives to further its mission.

In conclusion, I am deeply committed to advancing the cause of housing stability and homelessness prevention in Alaska, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve as a board member for the Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness. I am confident that my passion, experience, and dedication make me a strong candidate for this position, and I look forward to the possibilty of working together to create positive change in our communities.

Brynn Butler, housing coordinator, city of fairbanks - fairbanks, ak

As the Housing Coordinator for the City of Fairbanks, I have been actively involved in overseeing housing initiatives and programs aimed at addressing homelessness and improving housing stability in our community. My role has provided me with valuable experience in collaborating with various stakeholders, implementing strategies to combat homelessness, and advocating for affordable housing solutions. 

What sets me apart is my lived experience of homelessness. Having experienced homelessness firsthand, I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families in need of stable housing. This personal experience has fueled my passion for advocating on behalf of those experiencing housing instability. I understand the importance of data-driven decision-making and have successfully used HMIS to develop targeted interventions that have made a positive impact on our community. 

I am confident that my unique combination of lived experience, knowledge of HMIS, and dedication to serving those in need make me a strong candidate for a board position with AKCH2. I am committed to working collaboratively with other board members to develop effective strategies and policies that will address the housing challenges faced by individuals and families across Alaska. 

Dakota Orm, Manger, office of homelessness, health intervention and prevention, ak department of health - anchorage, ak

I am thrilled at the prospect of joining the Board of Directors for the Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness. The mission to address and end homelessness in Alaska resonates profoundly with me, and I hold a firm belief in equitable access to housing for all. My professional background has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Alaska's diverse communities, and I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and a deep understanding that this does not hinder someone from attaining a fulfilling life. This expertise, along with my advocacy and professional insights, make me an indispensable asset to this board. 

Denice Gilroy, Executive Director, Arctic Access Inc. - Nome, ak

I currently sit on the board of directors and have for approximately 5 years.  I am vested in the mission of AKCH2. I am all too familiar with homelessness and houselessness, I work with homeless populations, and lived the lifestyle in my younger years as a single parent. There is truly a light at the end of the tunnel, I live my life supporting people in their life endeavors and paths to success. Sitting on AKCH2 will provide me the opportunity to bring my knowledge and experience to the organization allowing me and our region to contribute to the development of meaningful initiatives with real life boots on the ground knowledge of homeless/houseless.  

I live and work in the Norton Sound Region and the Arctic North.  Housing and Homelessness is a very big issue for our villages and community members.  Here in the North, we live sometimes 25 humans to a home.   Overcrowding leads to homelessness, lack of homes and rent inventory leads to homelessness, disabilities, family ties and broken ties, addictions, as well as issues such as work, money, food, obligations such as child support, health care issues can all lead to homelessness. Any of us could be just a moment away from homelessness or houselessness, it doesn’t help to wait till it’s a problem before we start fixing the core issues.

I would like to continue to fight for my communities’ rights to have safe healthy living conditions. I would like to continue my work on the CoC. I have several reasons for requesting your support for the Northern Regions seat on the Coalition.  The Northern region of the state of Alaska is in dire need of representation at the tables of service providers.  We have a vast region, less services offered and harder to get services that do exists, wide open spaces which is great for sustainability: not so great for travel, food share, health care, extended family cohesiveness, there is a lack of inventory, a lack of infrastructure, to many deaths of our community members from being exposed to the elements.  There must be soldiers to carry on the advocacy, so I am asking for your support in fulfilling that need for the Norton Sound and Arctic North regions of the state.

Evie Haven, Communications lead, Statewide YAABHH - Anchorage, ak

Hello, My name is Evie, I am 23 and live in Anchorage AK. I would like to join the board as a way to help people find housing and supplies. When I was 20 I became homeless for most of the year during the pandemic. There are trials and needs that the current system cannot help and as a result many people suffered like i did. I would like a chance to change and better the system for others. I hope you will consider me a good fit for the position.

Foot e., Team Lead, Statewide Youth Alaska Action Board - Anchorage, ak

I would like to reapply to be on the Continuum of Care Board for the Balance of State because I have gained a lot of insight from my time on the board. It has deepened my understanding of the behind the scenes of the homeless response system across Alaska. It is fulfilling to be able to use my life experience of homelessness and housing instability in a meaningful way. Equity is a priority to me. I am grateful to be on a board with a variety of life experiences, skills, and professions; I hope to continue to be a part of that. 

hannah hill, executive director, bread line stone soup - fairbanks, ak

I am the current Executive Director of the Bread Line, an anti-hunger organization that has been "feeding people & affirming lives" in Fairbanks since 1984. The Bread Line is the last line of defence against hunger for many homeless Alaskans. I am interested in deepening my capacity to best serve our neighbors. Volunteering on the AKCH2 board would further this goal. I believe in building bridges & am a strong advocate with experience in local, state & federal lobbying - however - my passion is in community organizing & public communications. I'm also a policy wonk with strong editorial skills.

Jennifer Skinner, Deputy Director, St. Vincent de Paul - Juneau, ak

I am passionate about being the change our communities need to see the unhoused reach success on all fronts of life. I work in the homeless sector currently and am wanting to expand my knowledge and ability to make a difference in others' lives. Being a member of your board would allow me to be a part of lasting change and impact that is exactly what I strive for in my professional life. Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.

Linda Flowers, Job connections employment specialist, Goodwill - Wasilla, ak

I have long desired to better the community I live in so that all who reside here can thrive.  By becoming a board member with the Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, I feel will give me the chance to work with other creative members to solve one of the toughest reasons people cannot flourish in our community. 

In my work every day I see community residents struggling with the challenges of successfully navigating life.  These challenges are wide ranging – lack of adequate, affordable housing, access to heathy lifestyles, opportunities to develop workplace skills, and barriers to employment – lack of transportation, difficulties overcoming past mistakes, poor financial wellness, etc.  Many end up homeless due to these difficulties and that just compounds the barriers to overcome.

Housing is one of the foundational requirements for successful living.  According to the hierarchy of needs, foundational items such as shelter, safety, and food must be met before a person can progress to higher needs such as self-actualization.   The importance of having a place to call home cannot be overlooked.

I believe that when some community members suffer, we all have a poorer quality of life.  But I also believe that if we come together to solve these issues, a wholesome community will be the result.

Les Brown, voted one of the top five worldwide motivational speakers in the world by Toastmasters International, achieved success through persistence and preparation.  If we keep up efforts to solve homelessness by studying the root causes and how others have successfully solved those reasons and develop a solid plan, we can accomplish the goal of a better community for all.

Michelle Hicks, Housing Director, IACNVL - Fairbanks, ak

I am excited about the opportunity to potentially serve on the Alaska Coalition for Housing and Homeless board, especially given my background in representing a Domestic Violence Agency. I am deeply committed to advocating for vulnerable populations and believe that my experience in supporting survivors of domestic violence can bring a unique perspective to the board's efforts in addressing homelessness. I am passionate about creating safe and stable housing options for individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence, and I am eager to collaborate with the board to develop comprehensive solutions that address the intersection of homelessness and domestic violence. My skills in program implementation, advocacy, and community outreach align well with the board's mission, and I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully to advancing the organization's goals in providing housing support programs and services to those in need. I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside dedicated board members and stakeholders to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals experiencing housing insecurity in Alaska.

mi’shell french, director of rural housing, ruralcap - anchorage, ak

I am a lifelong Alaskan, born, raised, and still residing in Soldotna.  I am a Ninilchik Village Tribal enrollee and shareholder and CIRI shareholder.  My father hailed from the Native Village of Port Heiden, Alaska and eventually homesteaded, in the early 1960’s, in Ninilchik, AK, after serving in the armed forces. My Mom is a transplant from the Pacific Northwest and moved to Alaska in 1972.

I have been with RurAL CAP since October 2009, with my most recent role as Director of Rural Housing beginning in September, 2022. I oversee our homeownership and home improvement programs including Weatherization, Senior Access Program, HUD Healthy Homes, Mobile Home Repair, mortgage loan packaging services, HUD housing counseling services, and the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program.  I am a licensed mortgage loan originator, certified Rural Development 502 loan packager, and HUD Certified Housing Counselor.  Prior to my career with RurAL CAP, I worked 15 years for a locally owned bank processing and closing investor mortgage loans, specifically targeted in rural Alaska.

My first home was a humble single room, dry cabin, with plastic covered windows and coal heat way down Oilwell Road in Ninilchik.  My Mom would remain home with my brother and I for weeks at a time, while my father was out commercial fishing in Bristol Bay.  She hunted and gathered and collected coal for heat and for cooking on the beach with my brother and I, she is probably one of the strongest people I know. In many conversations she has had with me since that time, she expressed regret that there were no opportunities during that time that would have allowed her to provide a warm home with indoor plumbing for our family, though I never felt like I had lacked anything while growing up. 

I have been involved in the housing industry, in one way or another, for the past 30 years.  During my career with First National, I felt largely unfulfilled in my role, because the families and individuals who qualified to purchase a home through those programs were generally in the moderate and upper income echelon and had the resources and ability to secure home loans.  I knew that there was so much more that I could be doing with my work and personal experiences to help people in my community who just needed a little extra nudge, one on one guidance for credit, down payment programs, and the like. 

When I started with RurAL CAP, I was brought on as a Homeownership Coordinator overseeing the Mutual Self Help Housing Program and I was hooked!!  The position helped bring stability and allowed me, as a single Mom, to obtain a home of my own and it has helped satisfy my need to help others step out of poverty.  I come at the housing crisis from a place of true understanding and a passion and wish to use my skills and experience to help families access “home”; whatever home means to them. 

For fun, I am involved with the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra and volunteer my time as principle flutist.  I served as their Executive Director for a number of years and as a Board Member up until 2019.  I also love traveling, spending quality time with my family, sphynx cats, and salt water reef and fish aquariums.

Shelyn Rivera, Executive Director, Mat-Su Youth Action Board - Wasilla, ak

Hello my name is Shelyn Rivera I’m the Executive Director of the MAT-SU Youth Action Board.

I have experienced homelessness myself and strive to assist young people to be self sufficient and have the opportunity and ability to establish a safe environment to call home! I would love to be a part of the board and ensure our Vision and Mission are met!

Tennille Limer, Mental Health Clinician, Flourish Therapy LLC - Palmer, ak

I believe that my qualifications and professional work experience make me a strong candidate for the position.

I am a driven and highly motivated professional offering over 10 years of leadership experience, complimented by proven skills to significantly enhance corporate objectives utilizing areas of expertise in operations management, personnel management and client relations.

Joining the board of directors would present a unique opportunity to leverage my extensive experience in homeless services to enact tangible change in Alaska's communities. With a background deeply rooted in addressing homelessness in a rural state, my perspective offers invaluable insights and strategies that can be tailored to the unique challenges faced by Alaskan communities. By actively participating on the board, I can contribute to the development of innovative solutions, advocate for effective policies, and spearhead initiatives aimed at combating homelessness. My commitment to ending homelessness, combined with my firsthand knowledge of the intricacies involved, positions me as a catalyst for positive transformation, making my involvement integral to the organization's mission of fostering sustainable change and improving the lives of those in need.