South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless (SOCH)

It's a very busy and productive week as we prepare to kick off our winter season on December 2nd. Yesterday, our team participated in an invaluable training session led by Denise Harris of Healing Hearts Safety Services. The training covered Narcan administration, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and CPR/AED. We are truly grateful for Denise’s expertise and passion for empowering others with these essential, life-saving skills.

We are beyond grateful to announce that Meijer Store 34 has generously donated $5,000 to the Welcome Inn! This incredible contribution will help us provide essential services to those experiencing homelessness in our community this winter season, from warm meals to resources that support their path toward stability. But the work doesn't stop here. We need your support to keep making a difference. Every dollar counts in helping us serve those in need. Whether it's a donation, spreading the word, or volunteering, you can help change lives. Donate today and make an impact: sochwi.org/donate Repost and encourage others to join the mission! Volunteer with us – Lend a hand, change a life: https://lnkd.in/gdAWRwpa Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community. Thank you again, Meijer, for your kindness and generosity!

A note from our new Executive Director: Dear Valued Welcome Inn Supporters, I am honored to serve as the new Executive Director of South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless (SOCH) & Welcome Inn. SOCH/Welcome Inn has built a strong legacy providing critical services to “the least of these” – I am eager to join you in this mission. I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals and families in need and my experience equips me to hit the ground running at a critical time for Welcome Inn. I am as eager to learn from all of you as I am eager to lead us through the next chapter. My journey working in non-profits began nearly eight years ago at the Baldwin Center in Pontiac, where I started as a Youth Center Assistant and progressed to the role of Deputy Director overseeing all programs and services. I did not come to this work uninitiated, having experienced homelessness, hunger, and poverty as a single mother. This built within me an intense solidarity with individuals and families who today face the same challenges. I believe in the power of resilience, empathy, and compassion. I hold a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Oakland University, where I earned my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education as a first-generation college graduate. I am now pursuing a Master's Degree in Education, with the goal of furthering my expertise. Additionally, I am a certified ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) trainer, focusing on educating others about how childhood experiences shape the rest of our lives. My long-term ambition is to pursue a Doctorate in Counseling. Faith plays a central role in my life. I am a longtime member of Woodside Bible Church in Pontiac, where I have taught Children’s Church for many years. I enjoy reading, journaling, and exploring new restaurants with my three teenagers. I look forward to collaborating with our guests, volunteers, and donors, all of whom play an essential role in our mission. My job is to ensure that everyone in need feels seen, heard, and supported. While we provide essential services such as food, clothing, and shelter, we also offer dignity, hope, and a pathway to a brighter future. Our work extends beyond meeting immediate needs: We strive to break down the stigmas surrounding homelessness and foster an environment of compassion and community for all. With your support, we can expand our programs and reach even more individuals in need. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness about our mission, every contribution makes a meaningful difference. Together, we can build a community where everyone has access to opportunity, and no one faces life’s challenges alone. If you would like to learn more or get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to hearing your story and working together toward a future where no one has to go without. Heather Duenas Executive Director South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless/Welcome Inn [email protected]