In April 2016, Brian Alexander joined the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness (NCCEH), a statewide membership nonprofit that works to secure resources, encourage public dialogue, and advocate for public policy change to end homelessness. Brian works as part of the team overseeing the NC Balance of State Continuum of Care, the 79 County region creating a system of care and implementing best practice programs to end homelessness. Brian has worked in homeless services since 2003. Starting as a front-line worker at Homeward Bound of WNC’s day center, he transitioned to multiple roles within the agency including shelter director, supportive housing case manager, operations director, and finally Executive Director in his final six years. Under his leadership, Homeward Bound evolved from a traditional homeless service agency focused on basic needs to one leading its community in ending homelessness using Housing First programs. During his tenure, Homeward Bound permanently housed over 1400 individuals with a housing retention rate of 89%, leading the community to a reduction in chronic homelessness by 75%. Brian has served as a community leader on the Asheville/Buncombe County Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee and as Regional Lead in Balance of State.