Q: How many years have you worked with the CFTH?

A: I have been involved with the Coalition since 2009, and I have had the pleasure to work for the Coalition since June of 2018.

Q: Where are you from originally? 

A: I am a 4th generation Texan, born and raised in Houston.  

Q: What brought you to Houston?

A: My Parents, Van and Maxine Carden on June 3, 1947. (HAHAHA)

Q: Can you tell me a little about your role at the Coalition and what it entails?

A: As the Chief Operating Officer my role is to be sure that we are successful operationally. That includes managing the facilities, IT, HR, compliance, grants management, procurement and finance department. This sounds like a huge undertaking; however, we are still very small but growing very rapidly.

Q: What made you want to work in the area of homelessness?

A: I worked at Bonita House of Hope as the Interim CEO and CFO when I first became aware of the Coalition for the Homeless. I have always had a heart for drug addicted women and their children, many of whom end up experiencing homelessness. In 2009, one of our Foundation donors asked that I be the community representative for Coalition’s finance committee.  From there I served on the board until June of 2018. Through this involvement I became passionate for helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our region.

Q: What are some projects you are working on right now?

A: We are working on new and efficient tools to help all our departments become experts on grant management. This includes adding on 4 new software platforms in the last year to help us become more efficient, effective and paperless. The addition of a Compliance department helps us be sure we are meeting all the requirements of our funding sources, auditors and Board of Directors. Along with pursuing going paperless we have added positive pay to our accounting system, remote deposit, and ACH payment from all our vendor and funders. Also, the hiring of an HR consultant has helped us completely restructure our hiring and onboarding process; and will be help us with our performance reviews in the future. 

Q: What is the most inspiring part of your job?

A: Without a doubt that I get to work with such incredible people doing such impactful work. 

Q: If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

A: My superhero is Jesus Christ and it is His great love for me that gives me the power to love others and do all I am called to do in this life. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13 

Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

A: I love to read, and I read about 30 books per year. I love biographies of great people in history. I also have the most wonderful husband that I am blessed to be able to share my life with, supporting and knowing him better is my hobby. We also have 9 grandchildren, ages 11 to 26, that we adore. And not to forget Merci and Kiefer our two mini schnauzers.

Q: How has COVID impacted your life outside of work?

A: Overall, I’m just looking for the blessing in all of this. In June, Kiefer jumped off the couch and broke his leg. This was followed by surgery and 8 weeks of crate confined recovery requiring 3 walks a day. Just as Kiefer recovered Merci was diagnosed with skin cancer on two of her back toes. She had them removed and is now recovering. So, it has been a big blessing to be working from home. Another upside is I am now a master at ordering food online.  

Q: What song best describes your life?

A: “You Light Up My Life” Debbie Boone

Q: Tell us one fun fact about yourself!

A: When I was 19 years old, I lived in apartments behind Northline mall and one night at 2AM I outran a motorcycle policeman while trying to get back to my apartment. It’s a long story but if you are ever up to it, I am happy to give more detail 😊