Spotlight on a Team Member: Alison Hardy
At Miriam’s House, we know that the strength behind our work lies in our dedicated, smart, and passionate staff—like Alison Hardy. As our Assistant Director of Housing Services, Alison has been an integral part of our team since early 2022. Over the past three years, she has worked in our housing and supportive service programs to improve performance outcomes, equip case management staff, and ensure that individuals and families experiencing homelessness have the resources and support they need to be successful.
Take a moment to get to know Alison and what makes her such an exceptional part of the Miriam’s House team!
Miriam’s House: What have you learned about homelessness in the three years you’ve worked here?
Alison: I’ve learned that the road back to stability is different for every person but it starts with housing. When I first meet with a family we talk about how they became homeless and the answer is always different. For many families, it starts with a loss of income or childcare. Others, it may be illness or a change in family structure. Far too often it’s domestic violence. We work together to build up safeguards and break down barriers. But it’s really hard to do that when that family is living in their car or a shelter. Once a family moves into housing other obstacles become more manageable.
How would you describe your job to someone unfamiliar with your work?
I help folks obtain and maintain housing. Moving a family into housing is a really big piece of the puzzle but our staff continue to stick around after the move in to provide wrap around supportive services. We work to connect folks with health care, employment, disability services, food resources, childcare… whatever supports they need for their family.
What is your favorite thing about working at Miriam’s House?
The people! The clients, my fellow coworkers, and our community are inspiring and encouraging.
What’s something you wish the whole community knew about the work that we do?
We are all deeply connected, and there are countless ways you can be part of this important work! Maybe you have a pickup truck and can move furniture for a family starting over from scratch, or you're an employer who can offer a job to one of our youth. Or becoming a monthly donor through The Key. This community’s generosity is truly inspiring, and we couldn’t do this work without the support of everyone involved. Lynchburg feels like a close-knit town in the best possible way, especially when I see how our neighbors come together to lift one another up.