Sesany Fennie-Jones joined Haven Housing in 2017 as the Program Director of St. Anne’s Place, our emergency shelter for women-led families experiencing homelessness. In early 2020, Sesany served as Haven Housing’s Interim Executive Director, and has now taken on the new role of Director of Programs.
Q: Describe your new role and why it was created.
A: The Director of Programs provides programming oversight to help ensure consistency between our three programs on mission, strategic plans, policies and procedures, etc. Our three Program Managers oversee the unique day-to-day operations of each program, while the Director of Programs helps to streamline processes and ensure continuity throughout the organization.
Q: What excites you about the future of Haven Housing?
A: It excites me that we finally feel like one organization. While our services might look different between our three programs, we are communicating every day between program staff, and we’re all on the same page with policies and procedures. We have gotten far in a short period of time, and we have so much potential to grow. I like to see the changing dynamics among staff: many staff roles have opened up the ability for individuals to grow, and for other people to step up and become leaders.
Q: Describe your vision of the role that Haven Housing can play in moving forward racial justice in Minneapolis.
A: Haven Housing is a part of the North Minneapolis community and our community is in a place of hurt and pain, and looking for a state of healing. Right now, we can be out there talking about the topics that are important, and we can impact the healing process in Minneapolis. Moving forward, it is important to make decisions through a lens that is culturally appropriate and uplifting. Impoverished people of color are impacted greatly by decisions that are made by the privileged. We want to empower our residents to stand against these injustices and violences that plague our community. By aligning these views with our housing philosophy, we create a strong social justice model.
Q: What can Haven Housing supporters do to advance racial justice?
A: People should always remember to look at things through a social justice lens, a cultural lens. Racial injustice happens every second, every minute, every day of the year. People of color walk on eggshells every day not knowing the danger that lies waiting for them around a corner during a perceived peaceful occasion or situation. When a person of color is hurt or killed should not be the only time that people become mindful; this isn’t something that is going to disappear. Know that words can hurt, and don’t ever be scared to face the hard conversations or to stand up and speak out when someone is saying something unkind or insensitive. And most importantly, teach our next generation that social justice is the way of life.