Homelessness
Helping our most vulnerable neighbors
For many people, having a place to stay isn’t something they worry about a lot. Whether it’s because they grew up in a stable home, have good mental health, a supportive family, or for any number of reasons – they have always had somewhere to call home. But for some, keeping a roof over their head is a real struggle, and it’s a struggle that people sometimes lose. Whether it’s a single individual or an entire family, homelessness is a traumatic experience that can seem impossible to overcome.
Our aim is to help people unravel the threads of homelessness that tie them down. It’s difficult and complicated, but it always begins with having somewhere that you can stay. At House of Hope, our guests have somewhere that is clean, warm, and safe. We operate on an ethos of empathy and accountability, so our shelter can be the stepping stone that our guests can use on their path forward to stability, recovery, and fulfillment.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Crystal Furches, Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services Board
President
“Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services has been providing an array of services to support individuals in our community for 50 years. As a Supportive Housing Coordinator I have direct experience working with individuals with behavioral health diagnoses that have significant housing issues. Helping homeless people establish and maintain stable housing is more than a challenging job; it’s a passion. I am excited to see what the future holds for the House of Hope and the Danville community.”
Chasta White, City of Danville
Vice President
"I work as a Housing and Redevelopment Specialist for the City of Danville. I realize that although I work in housing, everyone is a bad day away from being homeless and those that are temporarily experiencing homelessness deserve safety, care and unjudged help in more ways than just monetary."
Dawnelle Mayo, Danville Public Schools
Treasurer
“My compassion for people and helping others helped me accept the invitation to serve on the House of Hope Board. I work with the finances and it correlates with my background in Accounts Payable and Bookkeeping. I consider it an honor to serve along with a board of my peers that has vast knowledge and empathy to serve our community in various capacities. Being a new resident of Danville I look forward to serving our community and the House of Hope.”
Leslie Bennett, Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office
Secretary
“When I was asked if I wanted to serve on the Board of Directors, I was honored. Not only will this give me a chance to learn more about the needs of the community, but also to be part of a service to those in need. Just making a difference for at least one person can be a life-changing experience for that individual. It is my privilege, not only to have been asked, but actively being part of the hands and feet of Jesus through House of Hope. Matthew 25:40 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Jackie Rochford, Danville Public Schools (Retired)
Finance Committee
“Helping people going through difficult times has been my life’s work. In my career with adults studying to earn their GED certificate, I became acutely aware of how life can become difficult quickly when, for one reason or another, people lost the place in which they were living. A safe, caring place to go each day where people’s emotional, social, and spiritual needs are addressed is vital. When asked to serve on the board a year ago, I was delighted to offer my skills to serve an organization like the House of Hope who provides such a vital service to those most in need in the Danville area.”
Wayne Atkins, City of Danville
“I have helped the House of Hope with donations from God’s Pit Crew. I was approached by a Board member to fill a vacancy. I have several
years of construction experience. This is a great opportunity to keep
helping the House of Hope for many years to come. I thank the Board
members for giving me this opportunity.”
Beverly Santini, Writer/Photographer
"Since retiring from corporate life, I’ve offered my skills in writing, content marketing, and business acumen to supporting nonprofit organizations. My focus on homeless shelters comes from a heartfelt belief that homelessness can happen to anyone. Serving the House of Hope allows me to give back by promoting dignity, encouragement, and compassion for those in need."
Connie Fletcher, Counseling and Psychological Services LLC.
“As a clinical psychologist in practice for many years, and as former Director of Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute, I am keenly aware of the needs of our homeless population. When given the opportunity to serve on the Board, I was delighted.”
Keith Carroll, Danville Life Saving Crew
“I have worked with the homeless with The Danville Life Saving Crew
for over 35 yrs. And now currently as a DLSC “Community Paramedic “.
I see the need to better understand, assist with this growing problem, and to give them a “Hand Up” and this is a good way to help by being on The House of Hope board.”
Chief of Police Chris Wiles, Danville Police Department
“During the course of their regular duties, it is not uncommon for police officers to come in contact with persons who are experiencing homelessness. My service on the Board helps build the partnership between the Danville Police Department and the critical resources of the House of Hope, which will enhance assistance for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. I am honored to serve on the Board of the House of Hope.”
Meet Our Staff
