Heather’s ultimate goal in life? End homelessness, period. Prior to The Vecino Group, Heather established the Community Initiatives Department at Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC). The Community Initiatives Department provides oversight for homeless assistance programs throughout Missouri, administrating approximately $16 million annually. During her time at MHDC, Missouri was named one of only five states to decrease family homelessness and decreased homelessness by 15% statewide. Heather sees permanent supportive housing as the best path to permanently eliminating homelessness, which is why she joined the Vecino Group in 2014. In 2011, Heather was named Missouri Social Worker of the Year and Humanitarian of the Year.