Bill Miller, Executive Director

When Bill Miller came on board as the new Executive Director for Friends of the Homeless in 2005, he was confronted with a myriad of challenges, from water and building problems and safety issues, to a public image and trust that had been damaged. Budget concerns were overwhelming and morale was at a low point. Under Bill's leadership, things have changed. "Somehow, we have gone from being way behind to being at the forefront of the movement to end homelessness,” Bill said. He made staff changes, orchestrated building improvements, met with city, state and other agency officials, tackled budget problems, and stabilized shelter living conditions. "We try to work with everybody, and we try hard never to turn anyone away" he said. To be sure, FOH will be better poised to do that after the completion of a new Resource Center, which is scheduled to for completion next summer. According to Bill, however, FOH "isn't waiting for a new building to be a new program." That work has already begun.

Bill has three major goals: (1) to continue to restore trust in the agency among officials, funders, the public, and guests, (2) to increase FOH's capacity to serve more individuals with basic services and case management and clinical services, and (3) to be poised to grow further as the Resource Center is developed. For Bill, the new Resource Center will be "part of a natural evolution to provide better services within our own agency and other agencies." He said, "If you raise the level of service delivery, you raise the potential for better service impact. We want every individual to have a place to call HOME."

 "We have made great strides," Bill said. "And, we have plenty more to do. Thank you for taking an interest in our work. Maybe you will be one of those who joins us, as a volunteer, a donor, or even on staff. We continue to need all hands on deck...." 

"Pease keep in touch. God Bless you!"