Women’s History Month: A Spotlight on President & CEO Kirsten Elliott

As Community Housing Network (CHN) celebrates Women’s History Month and 25 years of empowering people to live in affordable homes to help build thriving communities, we recognize the leadership of our President & Chief Executive Officer, Kirsten Elliott, who has helped push CHN’s mission forward since our inception in 2001.

Kirsten was one of the organization’s first employees, joining CHN when we were just beginning our work to help people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Metro Detroit.

For Kirsten, the mission has always been personal.

Having experienced poverty, housing instability, and raising a son with a physical disability, Kirsten brings a deeply personal understanding of the challenges many of the people CHN serves face every day. Her lived experience informs her leadership in a meaningful way, grounding her work in empathy, urgency, and a genuine connection to the realities of housing instability.

She believes that housing is a fundamental need.

One of Kirsten’s earliest and most significant contributions was the creation of the Housing Resource Center (HRC). The HRC is a one-stop-shop where individuals and families facing a housing crisis, eviction risk, or homelessness can connect with trained specialists to help them navigate housing options and supportive services. Last year, the HRC fielded 26,000 inquiries and helped 18,000 Oakland County residents facing housing challenges.

From hands-on work in housing programs, to fundraising and real estate development, to now leading organizational strategy and overseeing operations, Kirsten has experience at every level. Her forward-thinking and innovative approach continues to drive lasting positive impact.

Over the years, CHN has grown into a comprehensive network of affordable housing communities, housing programs and services including rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, homeless street outreach, and homeownership – helping more than 400,000 people in need since 2001. As the housing crisis continues to affect communities across Michigan, the need for innovative solutions and strong leadership has never been greater.

Under Kirsten’s leadership, Community Housing Network continues to expand its reach, developing new affordable housing communities throughout Michigan, including Sault Ste. Marie, Petoskey and Port Huron, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for solutions that ensure everyone has access to a safe and affordable home.

This year is especially meaningful for the organization as Community Housing Network celebrates 25 years of empowering people to live in affordable homes and helping communities thrive.

For Kirsten, the milestone represents both reflection and renewed commitment.

While the need for affordable housing continues to grow, so does CHN’s dedication to meeting that need. As we celebrate Women’s History Month and 25 years of impact, leaders like Kirsten remind us that lasting change often begins with a simple but powerful idea: housing is a fundamental need.