Clifton E. Harris

Director

Clifton Harris is responsible for all phases of implementing the Homelessness Commissions 10 year plan to end chronic homelessness. His current work includes coordination of all seven standing committees of the Homelessness Commission and the implementation of the Commissions Housing First Program, Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and SSI/SSDI Outreach Initiative. In addition, Mr. Harris provides support to the Homelessness Commission, Metro Social Services Homeless Service Program, Nashville’s Coalition for the Homeless, Nashville’s Continuum of Care Committee, and Service Providers Serving the Homeless. Clifton has over ten years of experiences as a Director of three licensed residential treatment facilities that rendered services to the following individuals: a.) adult men and women with mental health issues; b.) adult men and women with alcohol and drug issues; c.) women and children who are victims of domestic abuse; d.) men and women in need of assessment services to determine their need for transportation, clothing, meals and referral to the appropriate long-term care facility; and e.) employment training assistance. Mr. Harris has over twenty-five years of experience in Housing, Community and Economic Development. Mr. Harris' efforts in housing and community development have included the development of a comprehensive neighborhood plan for the Orange Mound Development Corporation in Memphis, Tennessee. The organizing of the Orange Mound Community resulted in housing development, housing rehabilitation and streetscape improvements. Mr. Harris also organized the Madison Heights Neighborhood International Festival, the development of an Urban Garden program, the development of the Madison Heights Neighborhood and Business Association (know as COMB (Coalition of Midtown Businesses). Clifton is the husband to Alfreda Harris. They have two children Christopher and Brooke Harris and they are currently raising their nephew Alex Nelson, Alfreda’s late sisters son.

Laura Jumonville

Funds Development Coordinator

Laura Jumonville is originally from East Aurora, New York. She graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham with a B.A. in English and History. Laura moved to Nashville in 1993, and has a background in publishing and marketing. She has been working in non-profit fundraising and development for over 10 years. Laura has been with the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission for a short time and is looking forward to establishing a funding base that will provide secure housing for individuals and families facing homelessness. Laura says, “I have already learned more and received more back from the homeless than I ever expected. It’s an amazing community of caring people and I am very privileged to be a part of their lives.”

Mary Beth Ritchie

Special Administrative and Events Coordinator

Mary Beth grew up in the Shenandoah Valley in Stephens City, Virginia. She earned her B.S. degree in Psychology with a concentration in mental health from High Point University in North Carolina. She moved to Nashville in 2003. Her experience in “Music City” includes working with children and teens with severe and persistent mental illness as a case manager at Mental Health Cooperative. She later began working in the field of homelessness as a case manager at Safe Haven Family Shelter. She helped homeless families with children gain employment and save their income in order to become self-sufficient. She also taught life and money management skills. Mary Beth later became the Program Director and then Vice President of Programs and Operations. She truly enjoyed working directly with families and helping empower them to change their lives.

In October 2008, Mary Beth was hired to coordinate Project Homeless Connect, a one day event in which the homeless are able to come to one place to obtain various services from obtaining an ID to having a medical exam to even getting their haircut. Nashville’s first PHC was a great success serving 1,078 people. Mary Beth likes being able to impact the entire homeless community. Mary Beth shares her house with “the boys,” Tucker and Jake, who are wild and crazy felines.

Judy Tackett

Communications Coordinator

Judy grew up in Switzerland (Sprechen Sie Schwiizerdütsch?) and moved to Nashville in 1995 to pursue a degree in journalism and political science from Belmont University. Her interest in homelessness began when her best friend, a Metro Police sergeant, needed help finding housing for a homeless friend who was dying from lung cancer and suffering from mental illness. While taking care of Earnest, Judy met her future husband and settled in Nashville. After college she worked as a daily reporter covering politics, growth and social issues including housing and homelessness. She earned a master’s degree in mass media communications from MTSU and started volunteering for the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission before she became the Commission’s part-time communications coordinator.

Carolyn Cooper

Housing Coordinator

Carolyn Cooper is the newest staff member of The Key Alliance, and she is all about housing.Carolyn grew up in Chicago and moved to Nashville in January 2005 where she took at job at the Mental Health Cooperative as a homeless outreach specialist. “We met homeless individuals where they are,” Carolyn says about her former job.During her time in Nashville, Carolyn has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies from Belmont University and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership. Prior to moving to Nashville, she has lived in Southern California where she raised her two daughters and her niece. Her experience includes working with domestic violence victims, individuals and families staying at emergency shelters, youth struggling with homelessness, and people dealing with mental health issues. Prior to working in homelessness, Carolyn was in the Navy for seven years. She enjoys much of her free time with her grandchild.

Carolyn says she came to work at The Key Alliance because this organization is trying to create change to make a true difference. “I want to be part of that change. I want to affect change in a positive way for homeless individuals.”