A message from Lissa Jones-Lofgren, Haven Housing interim Executive Director
You may not know me yet, but you know the work and talented staff at Haven Housing. And, in a way, you know the women and families we serve; many of us are one unexpected financial crisis away from needing the kind of support Haven Housing provides. We have, or know someone who has, had to work to heal our mental health or sustain our sobriety.
Toni Morrison wrote, “What you do to children matters. And they might never forget.” As Interim Executive Director at Haven Housing, this is my responsibility. I am committed to creating places of respite that welcome every intersection of humanity so that everyone knows they matter and have a choice about their future.
Lissa joins the Haven Housing team at our All-Staff picnic
You can’t think well in an emergency. The chronic stress of multiple crises, fear, and trauma changes our brains, but the good news is that healing does too. We may not eradicate homelessness in our lifetime, but we can provide a safe place today. We can prove to the women and non-binary people we serve that we understand them and help them help themselves. And in doing so, we can start to break the cycle of homelessness.
My life’s work as a culture coach, helping unlock potential and create stronger, more inclusive, and more welcoming teams, initially brought me to Haven Housing, where I helped advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility priorities. Staff inspired me, and I saw myself and my family in the people Haven Housing serves. Like many of you, I became a donor to the organization. Then, when the Board asked me to take on the interim leadership role, I said yes—committing to this work with my full heart.
I am asking you to help care for the families at our emergency shelter and residents in our supportive housing programs. Jobs without health insurance or time off during an illness, wages so low that families can’t afford necessities, and a lack of housing affordable to people living on these low wages put women and families at a huge disadvantage. Since last year, family homelessness has increased more than 250% in Hennepin County. Most of these families look like mine…could be mine or could be yours.
Our hardworking staff has gone above and beyond as we’ve increased the number of families we serve. And soon, we will complete our renovation at St. Anne’s Place, welcoming our guests to a healthier and more vibrant place. Our staff also provides highly individualized support to each person that comes through our doors. In our staff, I see the spirit of service that has grounded Haven Housing for more than 40 years.
I invite you to join us in ensuring every woman, non-binary person, and family that comes through our doors feels welcomed and finds a place where they can stabilize, grow, and build their future. You can contact me, give, volunteer, and share our work.
Humbled by this opportunity and excited about our future,
Lissa Jones-Lofgren
Interim Executive Director