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 Staff

Meet Our Board of Directors

Jackie Rochford, Danville Public Schools (Retired)

President

“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.”

Rev. Ryan Busby, First Baptist Church

Vice President

“Our region is a better place whenever we work for abundance and thriving for our most vulnerable populations. House of Hope certainly is a key partner in that work as it serves our homeless community members. I am honored to serve on the board and be a part of the holistic care that is provided to our clients and the larger community.”

Eddie Dees, Sacred Heart Catholic School (Retired)

Secretary

“I attended an organizational meeting many years ago for the House of Hope because I knew then that our community needed a safe, faith-based shelter for those in need. I was approached by a Board member about filling a vacancy that required keeping accurate Meeting Minutes. The opportunity was the perfect way to combine my belief in the House of Hope’s mission and my personal skills.”

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.”

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.”

Crystal Furches, Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services Board

“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.”

Cindy Jefferson, Intertape (Retired)

“My passion for service led me to accept an invitation to serve on the House of Hope Board. Assisting in the financial oversight fits well with my accounting career. It is a privilege to serve alongside a great team of individuals who work to improve the lives of those less fortunate in our community. Together we can make a difference.”

Michael Simmons¸ Virginia Legal Aid Society

“I have a passion for serving, and as a Virginia Legal Aid attorney, I serve the community through legal services. I wanted to serve as a House of Hope Board member to continue being involved with the community. I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve the community as a House of Hope Board Member. I have benefited from the experience gained as a Board member and I hope that I can help provide positive change in the community as a result of this service.”

Tess Moss¸ Danville Social Services

“I have worked in several positions with Danville Social Services over the past 30 years which has given me the opportunity to be involved with our community. The past few years have given me the chance to work with the residents, as well as the staff, at the House of Hope to coordinate services for those in need. I found these moments to be a positive experience. When the Social Services position opened on the Board, I was asked to fill that position and was honored to do so. It is a rewarding experience to know that the House of Hope is changing lives.”

Chasta White, City of Danville

“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.”

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.”

Rhonda Wright-Simmers, Danville Public Schools

“As a lifelong resident and educator within Danville, I am committed to the children in this area. When I became a principal I saw what trauma does to a small child. They don’t understand the situation that they have been thrust into and don’t always have the language to express their feelings. I want to do all that I can to help the children and being a part of the House of Hope board helps me to know that I am working to support the at-risk children in this area.”

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.”

Leslie Bennett, Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office

“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.”

Major 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

Jude Swanson

Executive Director

jswanson@danvillehoh.org

Steve Schilbe

Shelter Manager

info@danvillehoh.org

Deborah Morton

Assistant Shelter Manager

dmorton@danvillehoh.org

Katina Davis

Housing Advocate

kdavis@danvillehoh.org

Dean Gusler

Guest Supervisor, Phil & Fran’s Place

Kevin Harville

Guest Supervisor, Phil & Fran’s Place

Earnest Williams

Guest Supervisor, Phil & Fran’s Place

Hampton Moss

Guest Supervisor, Phil & Fran’s Place

Ronda Hightower

Guest Supervisor, Norma’s Place

Erica Hodnett

Guest Supervisor, Norma’s Place

Lolita Womack

Guest Supervisor, Norma’s Place

Dorothy Goggins

Guest Supervisor, Norma’s Place

Victoria Brimley

On-Call, Norma’s Place