I am participating in Gimme Shelter 2026 because the mission is deeply personal to me. I have spent the past nine years working in homeless services—beginning with five years in street outreach, directly supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, and eventually moving into leadership roles where I now have the privilege of contributing to broader conversations about strategy, program operations, and system-level improvement. Throughout my career, the greatest reward has always been the opportunity to serve others. Giving back to those in need is not just a professional commitment, but a source of genuine purpose and gratitude.

As part of Gimme Shelter 2026, on the evening of Friday, February 21, I will spend the night outdoors at the Peoria RiverPlex—sleeping in my vehicle. The goal is to experience, in a very small way, what countless individuals in Central Illinois endure night after night during the winter months. While this experience cannot replicate the true hardship of homelessness, it is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

The funds raised through this event directly support Phoenix Community Development Services and its efforts to provide permanent supportive housing and homeless outreach—services that are essential to reducing and ultimately ending homelessness in our community. With the number of people experiencing homelessness continuing to rise, the need for support has never been greater.

I’m asking for your help in advancing this mission. Your contribution, in any amount, will make a meaningful difference for people urgently in need of safety, stability, and hope.

Please consider supporting my fundraising efforts. Thank you for standing with me in this important work.