SAFE SHELTER DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

With a bachelor's degree in Sustainable Development and a Seminary education, Katlyn’s background has led her to pursue community based work that prioritizes meaningful relationships and wellness for all, but especially for those underserved and underrepresented. For the past two and a half years Katlyn worked as the Volunteer Coordinator at Haywood Street Congregation where she was able to work with folks from all different walks of life, a majority experiencing homelessness, struggles with substance use and/or mental illness. Her favorite part of this job was helping bridge gaps between different communities, inviting all regardless of status to be a part of not only creating a wonderful meal, but also sharing it at the table.

As a part of the Safe Shelter team Katlyn hopes to be a part of ensuring that it will be sustained far into the future, and that its reach will continue to expand. Katlyn longs to see an interconnected community of resource providers in Asheville. She hopes that Asheville can set an example for other cities by working with one another and the community impacted in order to bring about change and accessible resources.

In her spare time Katlyn can be found spending time with her husband, Dustin, her son, Ellison and their two dogs, Moonee and Hardy. On the weekends she is likely spending time with friends or at home taking on a new DIY project, painting, or outside in the garden.