The purpose of Open Doors Homeless Coalition is to work collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for families, youth, and individuals who are experiencing homelessness throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast region: Harrison, Jackson, Hancock, Stone, George, and Pearl River Counties.
Open Doors Homeless Coalition advocates for sustainable housing and services to meet the needs of people who are at risk of homelessness and those who are experiencing homelessness. Open Doors Homeless Coalition coordinates resources and partners with the community to provide a variety of housing options and services to improve the health,
well-being and stability of those it serves.
Open Doors Homeless Coalition is led by a team of talented and dedicated staff and board members, committed to creating pathways to greater stability for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Our Staff
John McCarty, B.S.
Director of Planning
The Executive Director/ CEO operates under the direction of the Board of Directors and represents Open Doors Homeless Coalition in the community. The Executive Director/ CEO is responsible for the day-to-day operations and coordination activities of the organization.
The Director of Housing oversees the outreach, housing, and case management activities of the organization using evidence-based practices.
The Director of Operations manages the finances of the organization and serves as the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) administrator.
Antwon Wells, MSW
Case Manager
Brittany Hosey, BSW
Case Manager
Marilyn Brister, B.S.
Case Manager
Kristi Anderson
Intake Coordinator
Intake Coordinators assess the needs of people who call the Coordinated Entry Line of Open Doors Homeless Coalition and make referrals of eligible households to community partners and programs to meet their needs.
Shiba Alfatah
Intake Coordinator
John Fitzhugh
Communications Manager
The Director of Operations manages the finances of the organization and serves as the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) administrator.
Mary Simons M.S.
Executive Director/CEO
Dena Whittmann, Ph.D
Director of Housing
Patti Guider
Director of Operations
Amanda Barnett, B.S.
Lead Case Manager
Melanie Humphries
Case Manager
The Communications Manager manages the social media of the organization, maintains the website, and creates content to promote the work of Open Doors Homeless Coalition and its members.
Case managers outreach to persons who are experiencing homelessness, create housing plans for eligible households based on individualized needs, assist people in accessing community-based resources, and work to empower households to maintain stability and become self-sufficient.
Board Members
The Board of Directors are elected annually and may serve two three-year terms. The Board of Directors oversee the strategic plan of Open Doors Homeless Coalition and hold the fiduciary responsibility for the organization.
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Charlotte King - President
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Stephen Reed - Treasurer
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Derek Waffel - Co-Secretary
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Erica Johnson - Co-Secretary
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Henry McNeal- Board Member
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Honora Mayfield- Board Member
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Mary Simons, Executive Director/ CEO
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Patti Guider, Director of Operations
Ex-Officio Members