This month I'd like to introduce you to Michelle Messina, the Housing Programs manager in our Troy office.
Michelle is involved with providing assistance and guidance to our supportive service coordinators (SSCs) who provide housing-related supportive services to our more than 500 program participants and their families in Oakland and Macomb counties. When compliance issues arise, Michelle regularly
mediates/negotiates with the landlords and collaborates with our community mental health partners in Oakland and Macomb counties.
Michelle has been with us for more than 10years (more on how she came to us below), in that time she has gained valuable experience and knowledge relating to each of the roles within her group - made up of the six SSCs and the Intake and Leasing coordinator.
How do we keep our Housing Programs 
operations running smoothly? Thanks to Michelle, policies, procedures and top-notch record keeping have been implemented and maintained.
In addition to her "day" job, Michelle is a frequent volunteer with us. You may have seen her helping at our annual Bring it Home event, Unity Park Community Garden day, or many of our other volunteering opportunities.
Let's turn to Michelle now and give her a chance to answer a few questions.
How did you become involved with CHN?
At the time, I was working in real estate and was trying to find an answer to a question for one of my clients. I did an internet search, came across CHN's website and was intrigued. I have a degree and background in social work, so I decided to look through the job postings and see if there was an open position. I applied and became CHN's first supportive service coordinator! (Interested in employment or an internship?)
Is there any special training you had to complete for your job? 
My background in both real estate and social work has helped me understand and work well with our program participants, landlords and the inner-workings of CHN.
What is a typical day in the life of Housing Programs manager?
I'm available and able to answer questions that our staff have in dealing with program participants, rent, leasing, and landlord questions and issues. I regularly help staff with challenging situations out in the field (so I'm in and out of our Troy office a lot). All of the departments here collaborate with our housing programs to ensure that our participants are getting the best services available to them.
Is there a particular case that sticks out in your memory?
There are a few former program participants who I worked with when I was an SSC who are now full-time employees here. To me, that is proof that what we do works.
Any parting words of wisdom?
I credit our department's success with our teamwork; we help one another to help those in need. Everyday is a success when you are assisting participants with housing issues.
I am grateful for Michelle's work, as well as the work of all CHN team members.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Marc Craig
President
