A Season of Transition and Gratitude

This fall, Partners Ending Homelessness entered a season of transition. In late September 2025, I shared my decision to step down as Executive Director, effective at the end of October. This was not an easy decision, but one that I believe will allow both the organization and our community to continue growing in meaningful ways.

Since joining Partners Ending Homelessness in August 2023, I have been honored to witness and contribute to remarkable progress. Together, we have strengthened our role as a trusted leader in Coordinated Entry and homelessness data while remaining deeply responsive to the voices and experiences of those we serve.

During the past two years, we have:

• Undergone an abbreviated strategic planning process, identifying a new mission statement and strategic priorities for the agency.

• Responded to more than 15,000 calls to our Coordinated Entry Access Line.

• Completed over 800 assessments with individuals experiencing homelessness.

• Launched the Coordinated Entry Access Point model, hosting more than 350 access points across Guilford County in partnership with more than fifteen community agencies, local law enforcement, and faith-based organizations.

• Secured over $800,000 in funding to sustain and expand our work.

• Introduced the HMIS Center Stage to spotlight high-performing HMIS user agencies.

• Strengthened housing pathways for veterans, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, survivors of domestic violence, and families with children.

• Formalized our community engagement efforts, building partnerships across Guilford, Forsyth, Randolph, and Alamance counties through events, trainings, and presentations.

• Established healthcare services initiatives to explore the intersections of health and homelessness in Guilford County through collaboration and coordination.

• Created a landlord engagement program to empower local landlords while expanding housing opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness.

• Developed The Mom Fund, a dedicated resource to help single mothers with children secure stable housing.

• Expanded in-kind donations through partnerships with Period Kits North Carolina, the City of High Point, Kontoor Brands, High Point University, and generous individual contributors through our Share the Love campaign.

• Improved access to the Coordinated Entry System through enhanced marketing in partnership with MEHCO and Minuteman Press of High Point.

These collective achievements represent more than numbers or milestones - they reflect the power of connection and partnership.

I am proud to say that Partners Ending Homelessness has remained steadfast in living out its tagline - connecting, supporting, and advocating - even in moments when that work was difficult, undervalued, or unseen.

I am deeply grateful to the extraordinary team that has walked beside me throughout this journey. Their commitment, creativity, and compassion have been the heartbeat of our progress. I am confident that they will continue to lead with vision, integrity, and purpose.

I leave with immense gratitude for every partner, advocate, and community member who has joined us in this mission. Together, we have redefined what is possible for our community and for those we serve.

With community in mind and a deep appreciation for the partnerships that have sustained me,

Shereá D. Burnett, J.D., VSP