Our Staff

The 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.

Mary Simons, Executive Director Open Doors Homeless Coalition
Thursday June 2, 2022

Mary Simons, M.S.
Executive Director / CEO

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.

Dena Wittmann

Dena Wittmann, Ph.D
Director of Housing

The Director of Housing oversees the outreach, housing, and case management activities of the organization using evidence-based practices.

Staff Open Doors Homeless Coalition Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Patti Guider
Director of Operations

The Director of Operations manages the finances of the organization and serves as the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) administrator.

Staff photos, Open Doors Homeless Coalition

Amanda Barnett

Lead Case Manager

Staff photos, Open Doors Homeless Coalition

Antwon Wells, MSW

Case Manager

Staff photos, Open Doors Homeless Coalition

Brittany Hosey, BSW

Case Manager

Staff Open Doors Homeless Coalition Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Melanie Humphries

Case Manager

Staff Open Doors Homeless Coalition Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Marilyn Brister, B.S.

Case Manager

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.

Shiba Alfatah

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.

 

John Fitzhugh

Data and Social Media Coordinator

The Data and Social Media Manager helps with data input and analysis, plus manages the social media and creates content to promote the work of Open Doors Homeless Coalition and its members.

Open Doors Homeless Coalition staff

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.

Charlotte King – President
Stephen Reed – Treasurer
Derek Waffel – Co-Secretary
Erica Johnson – Co-Secretary
Henry McNeal- Board Member
Honora Mayfield- Board Member

Ex-Officio Members

Mary Simons, Executive Director/ CEO
Patti Guider, Director of Operations

Are you homeless, or experiencing a housing crisis in South Mississippi?Call 228-604-2048If you need other essential servicescall 211