New executive director named at RI Coalition to End Homelessness. What we know.

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness announced on Monday that Kimberly Simmons will be its new executive director.

Simmons has close to three decades of leadership experience in housing and homelessness organizations, as well as lived experience of homelessness, according to the Coalition. Simmons has also been the Coalition’s interim executive director for the past six months and officially took the helm Monday.

"I am grateful for this opportunity with the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness to continue to advocate for and support the most vulnerable throughout our communities,” Simmons said in a statement. “The Coalition has been committed to educating citizens and decision-makers about the impact of homelessness on all of us. I am excited to help change the way people think about our most at-risk neighbors … our youth, veterans, differently-abled, persons dealing with medical or mental health conditions, elderly, unemployed, LGBTQ+, etc ... or you or me.”

She said she has dedicated her entire career to seeking ways to assist underserved populations, impoverished and economically suffering families, and children.

“I look forward to serving those same communities in Rhode Island.” she said.

Simmons comes with experience in fundraising, coaching and planning

According to the announcement, Simmons has experience as a fundraiser, operations manager, coach, financial steward, and strategic planner that the Coalition said it believed will strengthen the organization and help to better serve unhoused Rhode Islanders.

“After a thoughtful and collaborative process, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Kim as our permanent Executive Director. Having had the pleasure to work closely with Kim over the past six months, we are confident that she is the proven leader we need to guide the Coalition moving forward,” Susan Gunter, board president of the coalition, said.

As executive director for the coalition,  Simmons will be responsible for creating partnerships and relationships with homeless response system direct service providers, persons with lived experience, community stakeholders, policymakers, and elected officials to help support unhoused Rhode Islanders.

Caitlin Frumerie stepped down as executive director in late September after six years leading the Coalition.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Kimberly Simmons named new executive director of RI Coalition to End Homelessness