New Board Members Bring Wealth of Experience

The Coalition welcomes new board members:

• Jimmy Jackson graduated from juvenile detention to jail at age 18 after years of drug and alcohol abuse and a host of other obstacles. For thirty years, he’s been helping others by sharing the story of his setbacks and accomplishments. He understands that some folks see people experiencing homelessness as outcasts, but he argues that instead of pointing fingers we all ought to be learning from one another –- and that we can’t learn unless we’re listening to each other. As a leader with the X Committee organizing project in St. Paul, Jimmy has had a chance to learn the importance of working together. He appreciates that the Coalition is working to end homelessness, but he appreciates even more the way we are doing it: by working in unity. Jimmy’s motto is “Hope you had a good day –- and a better day tomorrow -– and remember one thing: smile today and someone will smile back at you.” His positive energy and firsthand experience will be a tremendous asset to the Coalition.
• Monica Nilsson was the 2003 recipient of the Coalition’s Bruce Vento Distinguished Service Award. She has been a tireless advocate for the homeless both as former Shelter Director at Simpson Housing Services and now at the Bridge for Runaway Youth. Monica has been very involved with local policy work in Minneapolis, organized the Homeless Memorial Service for many years, and brings a wealth of knowledge with her to the Board. Monica says she is most impressed with the way the Coalition’s work is driven; of the many boards and advisory roles she’s served on, none have had such a big percentage of people experiencing homelessness in leadership roles. “Many people are paid to admire the problem,” she said. “If we spent more time listening to people experiencing homelessness, we’d find the solutions are right there.” She’s excited to work with board members across the state to bring regional perspective to statewide policy.
• Josephine Puffpaf worked at the Metro-Wide Engagement on Shelter and Housing (MESH) before moving to YouthLink as Program Services Director. She graduated from the Humphrey Institute with a Masters in Public Policy and serves on the Minneapolis – Hennepin County Commission to End Homelessness. She brings equal portions of passion and pragmatism to her work.
• Greg Horan is returning to the Coalition board. He has brought his quiet wisdom, good charm, and calming manner to our work over the years. Lately, he’s been most active in St. Paul as honorary co-chair of the St. Paul Area Coalition for the Homeless.

Also, we bid farewell to John Hetterick who stepped down after his term expired in May. John brought a business perspective to the Board along with a passion for supportive housing. Thanks, John, for your contributions to the Coalition – we are better and stronger because of your service.