Our Mission
Formerly known as Midland Area Homes, Home To Stay Housing Assistance Center promotes self-sufficiency to Midland County residents in need of stable housing and support services.
Our dedicated volunteers, board of directors and staff have a collective vision of a community with safe, stable housing for all. No one should have to worry about where they’re going to sleep tonight and if they’ll be safe.
We are designated by the State of Michigan as the Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) for Midland County, making us a recognized central point of intake for high-need individuals and families facing eviction or homelessness.
Our dedicated volunteers, board of directors and staff have a collective vision of a community with safe, stable housing for all. No one should have to worry about where they’re going to sleep tonight and if they’ll be safe.
We are designated by the State of Michigan as the Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) for Midland County, making us a recognized central point of intake for high-need individuals and families facing eviction or homelessness.
Home To Stay Housing Assistance Center is a non-profit, designated by the IRS as a 501 (c)(3). All donations are tax deductible.
OUR STORY
In 1969, 10 local churches saw a need for a coordinated response to housing issues of low-income, senior and disabled residents. They pooled their resources and ideas around a central mission of providing housing assistance to those in need and Midland Area Homes was established. In 2018, the organization rebranded to Home To Stay Housing Assistance Center to capture our passion and goals for the Midland County community.
Founding Churches
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
First Baptist Church
First United Methodist Church
Memorial Presbyterian Church
St. John's Episcopal Church
St. John's Lutheran Church
Trinity Lutheran Church
United Church of Christ
Unitarian Universalist Church
Home To Stay works towards its mission through the implementation of key programs like the Home Repair program, which aims to enhance the safety and accessibility of homes by helping to fund health- and safety-related repairs for seniors and income-eligible Midland County residents. These repairs can include accessibility and bathroom modifications, windows repairs, furnace and hot water heater repairs, minor plumbing or electrical repairs, and roofing repairs. Another program at Home To Stay is the Homeless Prevention program which includes case management, rental assistance, advocacy, housing resource information and referrals. A third critical support program is the Furniture Redistribution program, which recognizes that furniture needs can arise at any time.
We hope you'll consider donating to us today as your support can help us continue to meet the housing needs in our community. Home To Stay and the Midland County community appreciate your support for these important programs!
Founding Churches
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
First Baptist Church
First United Methodist Church
Memorial Presbyterian Church
St. John's Episcopal Church
St. John's Lutheran Church
Trinity Lutheran Church
United Church of Christ
Unitarian Universalist Church
Home To Stay works towards its mission through the implementation of key programs like the Home Repair program, which aims to enhance the safety and accessibility of homes by helping to fund health- and safety-related repairs for seniors and income-eligible Midland County residents. These repairs can include accessibility and bathroom modifications, windows repairs, furnace and hot water heater repairs, minor plumbing or electrical repairs, and roofing repairs. Another program at Home To Stay is the Homeless Prevention program which includes case management, rental assistance, advocacy, housing resource information and referrals. A third critical support program is the Furniture Redistribution program, which recognizes that furniture needs can arise at any time.
We hope you'll consider donating to us today as your support can help us continue to meet the housing needs in our community. Home To Stay and the Midland County community appreciate your support for these important programs!
Home To Stay Housing Assistance Center is a non-profit, designated by the IRS as a 501 (c)(3). All donations are tax deductible.
OUR Board
We’re thankful for a strong board of directors that passionately support our mission and serve as ambassadors for Home To Stay.
OUR STAFF
Joe coffey, m. ed.
Executive director Joe holds a Masters in Educational Leadership, Policy & Advocacy, and a Level II certification in Trauma and Resilience. He has served as a classroom teacher, program administrator, school district administrator, and has been a seminar speaker at multiple community colleges. Prior to accepting the position of Executive Director at Home To Stay, Joe spent 8 years as the Director of Community Engagement for a large nonprofit organization where is work focused on strengthening children, connecting families to resources and ending child abuse. He serves as the immediate Past President and is a founding member of the Rotary Club of Ending Child Abuse. A large portion of Joe's career has been spent working on behalf of the community helping people raise their protective factors, particularly their concrete supports like food, shelter and clothing. Joe feels passionately about Home To Stay's mission and the work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self-sufficiency. [email protected] 
Wendy ransom
housing resource specialist/case manager Wendy has been a Housing Resource Specialist and Case Manager at Home to Stay for the last three years. She has been involved in Midland’s housing industry as a Realtor since 2018 and has a diploma in Property Management. Most of Wendy’s professional life has been spent working with people of all ages. She assisted seniors as a young adult, ran her own childcare business for 16 years and became Director of Congregational Care for a large church organization in Midland before settling in as a team member here at Home to Stay. While working for the church Wendy also spent time with the congregation as interim Campus Pastor to assist in a church adoption as well as a church merger with a church in Saginaw. Wendy feels passionately about Home To stays mission and work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self- sufficiency. [email protected] 
Lori L. Bennett
Intake coordinator/hmis admin Lori is a lifetime Midland resident. She has spent many of her past years as a hotel manager, and business entrepreneur including building, owning and operating local businesses. Lori became a property Manager for various Apartment complexes and Mobile Home Parks. She also was an Assistant Manager of a major Credit Union. Lori’s focus has always been based on customer service. She is ready and eager to take on a new project at any time. In her current role, she speaks to over 2000 people a year who call Home To Stay in need of housing assistance. She empathetically listens to all callers, then determines the best available course for assistance. Lori is also the admin for our HMIS (Homeless Management Information System). This involves the overseeing of data entry and producing various monthly, quarterly and yearly reports. Lori feels passionately about Home To Stays mission and work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self-sufficiency. [email protected] 
Lynda perry
receptionist Lynda began her work at Home To Stay in 2023 working at the front desk covering the many calls and client visits. She is often someone’s first impression of Home To Stay. She plays several roles and enjoys many duties. Prior to her current role, Lynda worked for Chrysler Corporation and Northwood University. Lynda enjoys working with everyone and helping them whenever she can. Her hobbies are crocheting, camping, and taking care of her fur babies. Lynda feels passionately about Home To Stay’s mission and the work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self-sufficiency. [email protected] |
Rodney Tagget
Finance DIrector Rodney holds a Bachelors in Professional Accountancy with a minor in Business Management which he obtained through Saginaw Valley State University. While attending SVSU he was frequently listed on the Presidents and Deans list for academics. Rodney became part of the Home to Stay family in January 2022 as the Finance Director. While working at HTS, Rodney has grown to be well versed in the finances of HTS and the required government reporting and grant requirements. Prior to joining HTS, he had considerable experience in the Transit industry, Automobile industry, and Healthcare field. These past positions have allowed him to hone his finance skills, not only to accurately record transactions but to assess risk within an agency. Since graduating from college, he has held positions of varying responsibility in the profit and non-profit business world ranging from Financial Controller, Senior Accountant, and Financial Analyst. Rodney feels passionately about Home To Stays mission and work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self- sufficiency. [email protected] 
Lashele Richard
community engagement specialist LaShele began her work on behalf of the homeless of Midland County with Home to Stay in September 2020. She served as an accomplished Housing Resource Specialist from September 2020 through June 2024, and currently she is enjoying her new position as Community Engagement Specialist. LaShele can connect with all phases of people. She enjoys using her ability to work in a team, strong work ethic, and adaptability skills to contribute to her new position. LaShele is a powerful force in her workplace and uses her positive attitude to encourage others to work hard and succeed, especially Midland’s homeless community. She is inspired daily by her family. LaShele feels passionately about Home To Stays mission and the work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self-sufficiency. [email protected] 
Bill tellier
home repair and facilities manager Bill began his work at Home To Stay in 2022. Prior to serving in his current role, Bill led a flood relief program at a local church and currently serves with both Home To Stay and another non-profit. Bill enjoys making a tangible difference in people’s lives and is dedicated to serving those in need. In addition to managing Home To Stays facilities Bill coordinates home repair projects on behalf of our clients. Bill also works directly with our many community partners, including contractors. Bill feels passionately about Home To Stay’s mission and the work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self-sufficiency. [email protected] 
Rena walker
housing resource specialist/case manager Rena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She has served in various social positions throughout Tennessee and Michigan for more than 23 years. She began with Home To stay in September of 2012. Rena’s role includes guiding clients who are at risk of losing their housing as a primary focus. Her services fall in the “homeless prevention” category. Clients create a housing plan with Rena’s guidance to resolve their housing problem. Rena additionally works with our many community partners including the LIFT Program. Rena enjoys crafts, going to garage sales, and spending time with her son. Rena feels passionately about Home To Stays mission and the work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self-sufficiency. [email protected] |
Cathie Stewart
program evaluator Cathie holds a bachelor's degree in English and Communications from the University of Toronto. Originally from Canada, Cathie has embraced Midland as her home for many years, enriching the community with her expertise and dedication. Cathie's journey in the nonprofit sector is marked by diverse and impactful roles both here in Midland County and in other areas where she has lived. Her roles have involved managing publications, office management and program administration. Cathie is experienced in operations and enhancing service delivery. At Home To Stay, Cathie’s work has focused on developing and implementing initiatives that support home repair, furniture, appliances and water restoration services for Midland County individuals and families in need. Cathie's commitment to improving lives through effective program evaluation and her strong community ties underscore her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment in Midland. Cathie feels passionately about Home To Stay’s mission and the work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self-sufficiency. [email protected] 
Theresa Hepinstall, b.b.a.
Housing resource specialist/case manager Theresa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University, and an HR Generalist Certification from Saginaw Valley State University. Theresa started out working as a Case Manager in the CERA (Covid Emergency Rental Assistance) program. Theresa was also the Coordinator for the 211 LIFT (Leveraging Income for Tomorrow) pilot program through United Way of Midland. She has served as Receptionist in the past and has experience working in the furniture and appliance program at HTS. She has volunteered at the Shelterhouse Retail Store, and the former Women’s Fitness Center. Theresa feels passionately about Home To stays mission and work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self-sufficiency. [email protected] 
Cindy Armbruster
administrative coordinator Cindy began her work at Home to Stay in 2018 after being part of the banking industry for 39 years. Cindy has played various roles at Home To Stay. In addition to sharing reception duties, which include covering the many calls and client visits, Cindy also coordinates multiple administrative functions. Cindy plays a key role in donor stewardship and implementing our annual fundraiser as well as our annual holiday mailer. One of her “unofficial” duties is to send a daily e-mail about things to celebrate. She likes it because it gives her an opportunity to be creative and connect with her co-workers. Cindy has lived in Midland County for decades and is married to a “Native” Midlander. They have been Loons fans since the beginning and love to cheer them on. Cindy feels passionately about Home To Stay’s mission and the work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self- sufficiency. [email protected] 
Ebony Hatfield
Receptionist Ebony has a wide range of experience working with young children and senior citizens. Prior to coming to work for Home To Stay, Ebony worked at Deer Run Rehabilitation. She has worked in childcare and nursing during her career. She is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), an Autism Behavior Assistant (ABA), and is certified in CPR and First Aid. Ebony has a desire to help people and is a quick learner. Ebony feels strongly about Home To Stay’s mission and the work of helping individuals and families build pathways to self-sufficiency.[email protected] |
