Hope Solutions’s (Hope Solutions) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Deanne Pearn will succeed Louise Bourassa as Hope Solutions’s new Executive Director. Deanne, who is a Co-Founder and has been Vice President of Policy for First Place for Youth, takes on her new role April 17, 2017. Louise’s last day will be on April 21.
This leadership transition comes during a period of rapid growth for Hope Solutions. In the last two years, Hope Solutions has added over 52 units of permanent affordable housing for chronically homeless individuals and families. A team of mobile case managers are providing high-level support services curated for each household. Additionally, in partnership with Contra Costa County, Hope Solutions launched a Housing Navigation program in late 2016 to assist homeless individuals and families with the process of seeking and acquiring affordable housing.
Louise has led Hope Solutions for the past twelve years. During her time at Hope Solutions, Louise helped Hope Solutions grow from a $250,000 annual budget to $4 million next fiscal year. More importantly, Hope Solutions has expanded its housing and support services from serving 72 people in 2005 to more than 1,100 today. Her leadership and vision have been a driving force for Hope Solutions’s outstanding program model and growth.
Louise is optimistic about Hope Solutions’s future stating, “Hope Solutions is very fortunate to welcome Deanne Pearn. She has a track record of stellar leadership and commitment to supportive housing for vulnerable populations. Deanne’s policy expertise and deep understanding of housing and services will add to the strong foundation our board and staff have built. Deanne is certain to infuse new energy, perspective, and passion to Hope Solutions and our extraordinary community of donors, volunteers, and partners.”
Deanne Pearn has been a pillar at First Place for Youth for the last 18 years. She has helped grow the organization from a two-person start up with a budget of $80,00 to a statewide organization with over 100 staff and a budget of $20 million. First Place for Youth is a nationally recognized program that couples safe, permanent housing and intensive education, employment and emotional support to help high risk youth make a successful transition to adulthood.
Deanne holds a Master’s in Public Policy from UC Berkeley’s Goldman School and an undergraduate degree from Stanford University. She launched the Policy Department at First Place for Youth in 2010 with the goal of building the field and advocating for best practices in programs nationwide which provide critical services to youth; providing technical assistance to local community-based providers and county agencies; and increasing public funding and resources to support youth as they prepare to leave foster care and begin independent, productive lives.
Deanne is poised to support Hope Solutions’s continuing response to the needs of homeless and poverty-impacted families and individuals in Contra Costa County.
Welcome to Hope Solutions, Deanne!