Meet Our Board
Co-Chair of Spokane Connect & Founder of Spokane Homeless Connect
Kari Stevens (she/her)
​Kari Stevens is one of the original founders of the Spokane Homeless Connect, started in 2012 while also serving the community in many different positions. Kari has worked as a social service provider for youth, families and now our aging and disabled population. She has worked in homeless services, education, managed care and insurance organizations and is now the Community Living Connections Director for Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington. Throughout all of this work, her mission to be an advocate for the most vulnerable and an agent for equity and systemic change have only grown and become stronger.
Co-Chair of Spokane Connect & Founder of Spokane Valley Connect
Aileen Luppert (she/her)
Aileen Luppert has been with Spokane County District Library for 15 years, beginning as a librarian and currently serving as Community Engagement Manager. Aileen was recognized nationally for her contributions to librarianship when she was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker for her advocacy work in 2020 related to the Homeless Connect. Her board experience includes positions with the United Way of Spokane County and Northwest Harvest. She serves as Secretary for Spokane Connect.
Treasurer & Sponsor Coordinator
Renée Norris (she/her)
Renée Norris has been a dedicated advocate for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, for over 17 years. For the past nine years she has served as a Rapid Rehousing Case Manager with Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington, where she works with families, helping them secure stable housing. She is one of the founding members of the Spokane Homeless Connect, launched in 2012 and continues to play a vital role as Treasurer and Sponsorship Coordinator. In recognition of her long-standing commitment and impact, Renée was one of the recipients of the 2023 Spokane Human Rights Champions Award for her exceptional work in the community.
Vendor Coordinator
Reese McMullin (she/her)
Reese was born in Northern California but has lived in Eastern Washington for over two decades. She graduated from EWU with a degree in Social Work and worked for seven years in direct service with people experiencing co-occurring disorders and housing instability. She became passionate about working toward a more equitable and higher quality of service and health care delivery system through that work. Reese has spent the last decade in healthcare transformation and public health. She is passionate about meeting our region’s unique and diverse needs in partnership with community organizations. It is her mission to better the community for everyone.
Clothing/Food Bank Coordinator
Ali Norris (she/her)
Born and raised in Spokane, Ali Norris holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho and a Master of Public Health from Eastern Washington University. For the past seven years, she has served as the Executive Director of Mission Community Outreach Center, leading programs that provide essential resources to individuals and families in need. Ali has been actively involved with the Spokane Homeless Connect since 2015, contributing to its mission of connecting people with vital services. Passionate about equity and community well-being, she is dedicated to making Spokane a stronger, more inclusive place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Planning Committee
Transportation/Security Coordinator
Chris Jackson (he/him)
Volunteer Coordinator
David Stone (he/him)
Outreach Coordinator
Eric Robison (he/him)
Secretary
Jasmine Bower (she/her)
Pet Services Coordinator
Kayla Jones (she/her)
Meal Coordinator
Rob Stevens (he/him)
Volunteer Coordinator
Sherri Gangitano (she/her)
Media Coordinator
Rose Dixon (she/they)
Left to Right: Rose, Sherri, Jasmine, Aileen, Eric, Kari, Ali, Rob, Renée, David, Kayla, Chris, Reese