Denise Dunn is the executive director of Housing Services Mid Michigan (HSMM) which serves Barry, Clinton and Eaton counties. Since taking this leadership role in 1999, Dunn has grown the agency’s program budget by 700% and more than tripled the staff. In 2016, the agency provided housing assistance to over 1,000 individuals, including nearly 650 children in the region. Dunn’s leadership has further coordinated care and encouraged collaboration within Eaton County and throughout the entire three-county region.
“Denise is an outstanding leader, teacher and professional,” noted Christie Harry, HSMM’s assistant executive director and nominator. “She has dedicated her life to helping others, especially those who have fallen on hard times.”
Dunn is also a leader in her community, teaching Sociology classes at Olivet College and Family Life Education at Spring Arbor University. She also chairs MSHDA’s Region 7 committee which includes Eaton, Clinton and Ingham counties.
“Her commitment, perseverance, and vast experience has greatly enhanced the homeless service delivery system,” stated Eric Hufnagel, executive director of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness. “Denise has been a true change agent.”
The Breakfast of Champions is an annual event celebrating the accomplishments of the over 600 agencies working to end homelessness in Michigan. The Community Champion is awarded to an individual or agency exemplifying and embodying service that has a direct positive impact on the issue of homelessness. This year Mark Horvath, founder of the award winning Invisible People vlog, was the guest speaker.
Denise is pictured with her award. Photo Credit: Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness