When you meet her, the first thing that stands out is her smile, the caring smile of someone that loves what she does. In speaking with her about her accomplishments you will find Tina to be extremely humble. Tina is not a newcomer to the First Place organization. She has been the Housing Manager for 16 years, helping homeless families be placed in affordable housing.
Before taking on the challenges and responsibilities at First Place, Tina spent many years of service helping others in a variety of capacities. Looking back in her past, Tina shared “I took on the role as a case manager with “Youth Fair Chance/SW Community Career Center” for 25 youths and young adults at-risk of not graduating high school.”
Tina was responsible for ensuring the students obtained enough credits to graduate with the possibility of moving on towards college or vocational programs. “This was not an easy job due to uncertain stable family conditions and the daily life they faced at school. But once the students fulfilled their credit requirements for entering college or were on a path to entering a trade, I left them knowing they were more prepared to stand on their own two feet and make something of their lives.”
Later, being recognized for the invaluable work she did with these young adults, Tina was recruited to work for The Community Health Plan of Washington as a benefits specialist for clinics whose primary patients were migrant seasonal workers without health plans. She goes on to explain why this job was particularly personal for her. “Years ago, I had been a very young hardworking migrant worker in the Yakima Valley hops fields without any healthcare, so I knew firsthand what it meant to have no affordable options which sometimes meant going without medical and dental care altogether.” Helping them secure a plan was an important undertaking.
So, you now see why the shift from benefits specialist to her long career with First Place was a natural fit. It checked all the boxes for everything that lends itself to making Tina who she is… caring, determined to help those in need, always seeking to find a better more efficient way to get things accomplished.
When Tina was asked why she has been with First Place Housing for so many years her response was quick, “I stay because First Place truly cares about families, all the individuals in those families as well as the organization’s employees. Not all housing agencies are like us in this respect.” she proudly shares.
Many come to First Place in dire straits from situations forcing them into homelessness with children. This always tugs at Tina’s heartstrings, never prejudging who they are or what circumstances brought them to the First Place Organization doorsteps. Like a Ninja, she quickly jumps into action, calling on various King County Agencies and contacts within her network to assist many who are traumatized by their homelessness. “It is so important we try our best to help them make as smooth a transition as possible into a First Place property,” says Tina. First Place families now have a decent roof over their heads and Tina ensures they are no longer food insecure by connecting them with local food banks and other resources to fill in the gaps if their EBT benefits have been exhausted.
But it doesn’t stop there. Tina goes above and beyond as an advocate for these families connecting them with resources to meet short-term and long-term goals. She understands fully how critically important her involvement means as a case manager for each family. “I routinely check with the other agencies within the tenant’s support network such as mental health counseling and job training to ensure all members of the families are meeting their goals and commitments towards a successful outcome.”
What’s next for Tina?
She lights up when she speaks about being an integral part of the growth of First Place. “I look forward to helping the organization expand its tent to assist many more families in need of a clean, safe home and a brighter future.”
