Maria Williams Howard
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Seasoned professional with 19 years of experience at the intersection of housing and the needs of survivors of intimate partner violence. Strong leadership experience, skilled in communication and building relationships.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Housing
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV)
07.2018 - 02.2024
- Assessed victim service program needs and CoC needs. Worked to identified resources to close system gaps and build ongoing relationships between victim services providers and CoC.
- Developed and implemented statewide housing strategy to support member programs, with focus on rural and underserved communities. Partnered with Continuums of Care to increase funding and integrate survivor-driven services into homeless system.
- Successfully applied for and implemented over $20 million in housing funds for survivors across Pennsylvania, $13 million in CoC DV Bonus (Rapid Rehousing), $7 million in ESG-CV2, $750,000 in ESG state formula, $1 million in state tax levy funds, and multiple sources of foundation and private donor funding. Funding was received by PCADV and passed through to 35 member programs, serving urban, suburban and rural areas.
- Strategically expanded PCADV's housing department from one staff to nine full time positions, focusing on economic justice, Rapid Rehousing, Coordinated Entry, contract compliance, and financial management.
- Monitored sub-recipient performance, review of eligible costs, and outcomes for successful delivery of services. Oversaw financial operations of housing contracts, ensuring budget compliance and grant spend down.
- Led, developed and provided technical assistance and training on proven strategies for housing survivors to 16 Continuums of Care across Pennsylvania, focusing on Domestic Violence Housing First philosophy, and implementation of proven strategies for survivors regarding diversion, emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and Public Housing Authority vouchers.
- Led, developed and provided training and technical assistance on HUD CoC and ESG eligible costs, program eligibility and HEARTH Act, application of protections in and updates to Violence Against Women Act
- Supported organizational leadership and culture change, co-leading PCADV's Belonging, Dignity and Justice (DEI) work for 3 years.
Housing Services Director
LifeWire
07.2008 - 05.2018
- Led strategic direction of LifeWire's services, managing budget of $2.5 million. Implemented survivor-driven, trauma-informed service delivery.
- Increased agency budget by over $800,000 annually.
- Oversaw Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing and Rapid Rehousing programs, managing various public and private funding sources including: Family Violence Prevention Services Act state allocation, Office of Violence Against Women Transitional Housing funds, HUD CoC and ESG, CDBG, Gates Foundation Regional Funding.
- Partnered with local Public Housing Authorities to support DV dedicated Section 8 vouchers, Family Unification Program Vouchers and facilitation of Ready to Work funds.
- Supervised 10 direct service staff members and oversaw housing facilities and coordinated property improvements.
- Developed and implemented low barrier service model for shelter programs, developed and implemented standardized intake process and facilitated housing and legal assessments for survivor-specific advocacy.
Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter Advocate
Synergy Services
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Improved organizational processes and developed low barrier service model for shelter programs
- Facilitated creation of standardized intake process
Program Director
GLSEN-KC (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network)
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Increased community involvement through volunteer and board member recruitment
- Developed coalition of youth service providers
- Provided support and resources to educators working with LGBT youth.
Women's Center Outreach Coordinator
University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC)
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Recruited and cultivated relationships with volunteers
- Developed diversity trainings and event programming based on anti-violence and social justice issues.
Education
Graduate Certificate in Leadership Enrichment (Adaptive Community Leadership) -
Saybrook University and Leadership Eastside
Bellevue, WA01.2018
Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies -
Baker University
Baldwin City, KS01.2001
Skills
- Housing resource and systems coordination for survivors of intimate partner violence
- Expertise in HUD CoC and ESG programs
- Technical assistance and training for IPV organizations and community partners
- Public and private fund development
- Strategic planning and community needs assessment
- Organizational leadership and culture change
Timeline
Director of Housing
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV)
07.2018 - 02.2024
Housing Services Director
LifeWire
07.2008 - 05.2018
Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter Advocate
Synergy Services
01.2006 - 01.2008
Program Director
GLSEN-KC (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network)
01.2006 - 01.2007
Women's Center Outreach Coordinator
University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC)
01.2003 - 01.2006
Graduate Certificate in Leadership Enrichment (Adaptive Community Leadership) -
Saybrook University and Leadership Eastside
Bachelor of Arts, Speech Communication and Rhetorical Studies -
Baker University
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