About
House the Homeless, Inc., founded in 1989, is the oldest, all volunteer, action organization in Texas working to prevent and end homelessness. Our mission is education and advocacy around issues of homelessness. Our goal is prevention and doable solutions, including how to end to economic homelessness here and across the nation. HtH considers all homeless and formerly homeless individuals to be members of this 501.c.3 tax-exempt non-profit corporation. We strive to ensure that the makeup of our Board of Directors generally not fall below 60% of individuals who were formerly homeless or are currently experiencing homelessness.
Learn more about our Education and Advocacy
Education
Advocacy
Board of Directors
Richard Troxell
Founder & National Education Director
Richard R. Troxell, Founder/ Past President & National Education Director (NED). Richard is a United States Marine and Viet Nam Veteran, who has been striving to end homelessness since he first experienced it as a 3 year lived experience following the war. Hired straight from the streets by Legal Aid he created a direct impact program and became a mortgage foreclosure preventionist in Philadelphia in the 1980s. From 1989-2018, he served as the creator and inaugural Director of Legal Aid for the Homeless/Rio Grande Legal Aide, with daily interaction with disabled citizens of Austin experiencing homelessness. Gaining widespread support, he is actively promoting Livable Incomes with a Living Wage for those able to work (fix the Federal Minimum Wage utilizing the formula which he created to be indexed on the cost of housing wherever a person lives and works; and fixing the SSI stipend for those who cannot work due disability. He crafted the National Homeless Criminalization Cycle based on the Quality of Life Ordinances. He orchestrated the nations only agreement on the No Sit/No Lie Ordinance incorporating accommodations as identified in the Americans With Disabilities Act. Richard is the author of Looking Up at the Bottom Line- The Struggle for the Living Wage, and Livable Incomes, Real Solutions that Stimulate the Economy, Striking A Balance (Gentrification) and other writings. He recently completed his 4th book Short Stories on a Long Journey: What it Takes to End and Prevent Homelesness. His life’s work has been recognized by HUD, Texas Governor Ann Richards, the Pennsylvania Senate and the United Nations…
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Richard R. Troxell, Founder/ Past President & National Education Director (NED). Richard is a United States Marine and Viet Nam Veteran, who has been striving to end homelessness since he first experienced it as a 3 year lived experience following the war. Hired straight from the streets by Legal Aid he created a direct impact program and became a mortgage foreclosure preventionist in Philadelphia in the 1980s. From 1989-2018, he served as the creator and inaugural Director of Legal Aid for the Homeless/Rio Grande Legal Aide, with daily interaction with disabled citizens of Austin experiencing homelessness. Gaining widespread support, he is actively promoting Livable Incomes with a Living Wage for those able to work (fix the Federal Minimum Wage utilizing the formula which he created to be indexed on the cost of housing wherever a person lives and works; and fixing the SSI stipend for those who cannot work due disability. He crafted the National Homeless Criminalization Cycle based on the Quality of Life Ordinances. He orchestrated the nations only agreement on the No Sit/No Lie Ordinance incorporating accommodations as identified in the Americans With Disabilities Act. Richard is the author of Looking Up at the Bottom Line- The Struggle for the Living Wage, and Livable Incomes, Real Solutions that Stimulate the Economy, Striking A Balance (Gentrification) and other writings. He recently completed his 4th book Short Stories on a Long Journey: What it Takes to End and Prevent Homelesness. His life’s work has been recognized by HUD, Texas Governor Ann Richards, the Pennsylvania Senate and the United Nations. He has also received the Five Who Care Award and the JC Penny Golden Rule Award, the Fred Butler Award / Community Advancement Network, The National Coalition for the Homeless-The Beverly “Ma” Curtis Award, among countless others. On behalf of HtH and the City of Austin he designed a paradigm change for homeless service delivery and secured a $100,000 grant from former Texas Governor George Bush for a jobs component for people experiencing homeless. He authored the National Homeless Protected Class Resolution during his service on the Board of Directors for the National Coalition for the Homeless 1997-to date. Richard earned his Bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University, is a graduate of the Lauterstein-Conway Massage School. He is a world traveler/explorer, collector of American Iron tools dating back to the early 1700s and continues to preserve our culture by collecting hand-blown American glass bottles also dating to the early 1700s (pre American Revolution). Conceived of and first sculpted and secured funding for the first Home Coming homeless statue now located at Community First! Village in Austin Texas. He then raised funding and created a second statue now in a warehouse in Washington DC where he will site it after COVID-19 has ended. He is a lifetime learner and family man.
Recent Recognitions:
“Salute to Military Heroes, National Mounted Warriors Museum, NMW Foundation.org, in honor of a veteran for their sacrifices and commitment to our country. Nomination by Cecilia Blanford (pending June 2022):
Veteran Richard R. Troxell (USMC, 1969-1972)has lived, worked, and fought homelessness since returning from the Viet Nam War. His latest book, “Short Stories in a Long Journey: What it takes to End and Prevent Homelessness” chronicles five decade of fight for human and civil rights. Veterans in Action work includes his researched initiative to serve homeless veterans in significant recovery of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)/Chronic Encephalopathy (CTE). Most recently, Troxell designed and raised funds for The Home Coming – life size bronze sculptures of a homeless Veteran, his young daughter, their dog, and an older woman of color – who find community around a campfire. Sculpted by world renown artist, Timothy P. Schmalz, in collaboration with Mr. Troxell, the first set of statues were placed at Community First! Village in Austin, TX; and the second set has just been installed at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., with yearly foot traffic of 1 million people. In the Austin area, Troxell established, 20 years ago, a Living Memorial site on Town Lake with sunrise services to remember those who die while homeless each year (220+ this past year); speakers always include Veteran representatives. Adapted by other communities, he designed a pocket-fold, laminated Resource Guide complete with Veteran services, now in its 21st printing of 10,000 each. To end and prevent homelessness, he created a Universal Living Wage – ULW (National Locality Wage – NLW) formula, indexed on the local cost of housing nationwide, sponsored by hundreds of Veteran and other entities. He developed strategies such as “Discharge No One into Homelessness”, a Homeless Protected Class Resolution and hate crimes legislation, and with the case of a homeless veteran WON, 20+ years ago, the fight against so-called “Quality of Life” no sit, no lie ordinances that recently reared their ugly heads – leaving many veterans and others unsheltered and unable to afford such tickets. He has been referred to as the “Moses” of this era, leading his fellow vets and others with dignity for all.
Pushcart Prize 2022, Best of the Small Presses, Nominated by Plain View Press for Poetry:
Crystal Clear
…and the note read,
“Give my brothers a home, bread to eat, water to drink, and
let the Homeless learn to be citizens in a foreign land.”
—And the note had been wrapped tightly about a stone.
—And he flung it, full force, through the priceless glass,
crystal window.
—And the act had shattered its beauty forever.
—And he had said that he would do it again and again
until they treated his brothers and sisters with love.
—And he said he would do it again. And he would do
it again, and again, and again, and it shattered their
priceless lives like crystal again, and again, and again,
and again, and again, and again and again…
By Richard R. Troxell, Founder of House the Homeless, Inc.
Note: This poem was inspired by a true incident that occurred in Austin, Texas, in March 1991.
Blythe Plunkett
President/Treasurer
Blythe Plunkett is a native Austinite who has worked with Austin’s homeless for the past 27+
years. It became more than a casual act after working as a corrections officer …
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Blythe Plunkett is a native Austinite who has worked with Austin’s homeless for the past 27+ years. It became more than a casual act after working as a corrections officer and seeing how impacting small circumstances can be on one’s life. Experience includes employment, advisory and board positions with Project Transitions, CommUnityCare, Downtown Austin Community
Court, ECHO, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Hill Country Ride for AIDS, Community Advancement Network, and the Austin Poverty Initiative; as well as work with for-profit entities.
Will Hyatt
vicepresident
Will Hyatt, Vice Chair and Chaplain/Ministry Coordinator, graduated Southwestern University in Georgetown and, for over 30 years, has been an arborist working with trees and land design…
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Will Hyatt, Vice Chair and Chaplain/Ministry Coordinator, graduated Southwestern University in Georgetown and, for over 30 years, has been an arborist working with trees and land design. He also became the Coordinator of Open-Door Ministry at University Methodist Church and began volunteering with the homeless and veterans at several university area churches, networking with many. He currently helps with Hungry for God, a church for orphans in Garfield, and is planting a small church in San Marcos. Will has represented HtH at recent City Council and other timely meetings.
Members-at-Large
Charles Ray Guidry, Jr.
Member-at-Large
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Charles Ray Guidry, Jr., also known as “Chuck”, is a long-time volunteer with the Open Door/Fig Leaf Ministry run by the University United Methodist Church in Austin. He faithfully drives from San Marcos on Saturday mornings to prepare hundreds of hot meals to give away. Formerly homeless himself, Charles says, “I want to get one of them off the streets and then another…whatever I can do within reason.” Charles is employed full-time and always stands ready to serve. His service was recently recognized by AARP which presented him with the Andres Award, highlighting public service, the spirit of volunteerism, and working together for positive change. He is quick to credit all that is positive to God and his strong faith in Christ, along with the influence of his friend and mentor, Will Hyatt.
Danny Marrs
Member-at-Large
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Danny was elected to the Board in 2020 after two years of active volunteer participation including the Thermals Party. His involvement with House the Homeless dates back to the early 1990s, volunteering intermittently here as well as in his hometown of San Angelo, Texas. He retired after a career in electronics, including work with Cisco, Motorola, Samsung and others; and still loves a good round of golf. He received his certification in electronics from Durham-Nixon-Clay after attending Angelo State University.
Advisory Board
Cecilia Blanford
MAHS, GPC. Co-Founder & Immediate Past President
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Cecilia Blanford, MAHS, GPC. Co-Founder & Immediate Past President. Cecilia Blanford and her son, Kevin Blanford, helped Richard to establish House the Homeless in 1989. She has long served our all-volunteer organization as treasurer and more recently as president. Prior to this, she established the Servants Heart Ministry at her church. Cecilia earned a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in Human Services (triple concentrations in Nonprofit Administration, Social and Psychological Services, and Counseling) from St. Edward’s University. Her employment has included 11 years as Grants Director for Ascension Seton, 12 years as Grant Director for Lutheran Social Services (Upbring) and several years as
executive director of El Camino Girl Scout Council and Austin Community Nursery Schools (MainSpring). Cecilia is credentialed as a Grant Professional Certified (GPC) and has extensive experience in proposal development and related processes. After collaboratively raising more than $100 million in grant support, she established “Blanford Consulting – Grants Pro” in early
2023. She serves as a coach, consultant, writer, editor, trainer, mentor and prayer warrior!
JoAnne Kopeke
ADVISORY BOARD
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Jo Ann Koepke, Member-at-Large. Since 2001, Jo Ann has served on the Board, primarily as Secretary, since 1992. For 28 of these years, she managed all databases and helped Ricard with contacts and Universal Living Wage campaign endorsements for its founder, Richard R. Troxell. She asserts that her “…heart and soul is in my work with House the Homeless, Inc.; and even though I am no longer in Austin, TX, I still support the data bases and help get donations (primarily food) for our events.”
In medical research, Jo Ann did biochemistry analysis of kidney function tests, neuromechanics, and in cardiology research. She also worked in nursing. Jo Ann received her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State College in English, Chemistry and Biology. Despite many challenges, she uses her talents as an artist, pianist, author, master gardener, and advocate to empower and help others. She earned a Master’s of Women’s Studies from Norwich University. She is “mom” to two daughters sponsored through ChildFund International with lifelong relationship.
Sylvia Troxell
Advisory Board
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Sylvia Troxell, Advisory Board. After 18 years as Special Education teacher at Eanes Independent School District, Sylvia relocated to North Carolina where she and Richard could be closer to their daughter, Colleen Troxell. Sylvia graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Instruction and Curriculum and with a degree in Special Education from La Salle University. For three decades, she has supported the mission of House the Homeless. For many of those years, she has directed more than 100 volunteers at our annual HUGS Thermal Party where she prepared much of the food in First Baptist Austin’s kitchen. Sylvia led Hill Country Middle School students with their parents and teachers in raising more than $34,000 for House the Homeless. Sylvia has also served as webmaster, board recording secretary. She and Richard have made and continue to make hundred of personalized masks during COVID-19, and she has helped in countless other ways. She continues to serve on the House the Homeless Advisory Board.
P.J. Liles
Advisory Board / Key Volunteer
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P.J. Liles, Past President, moved to Austin in 1998 where he started the Poet’s Pantry with Tom the World Poet, monthly donating to Safe Place and Casa Marianella over 200 lbs. of canned goods collected at Open Mics as entry to poetry events. He started Operation Warm in 2010 to collect jackets and recyclable household goods for HtH and SafePlace. He began working with HtH in 2006 as bandleader with Rockin’ Gospel Project at HtH’s annual HUGSS event & Thermal Giveaway. He served as President during the transitional year when the Troxell’s moved to North Carolina. P.J. has since retired after 11 years at Austin State Hospital (ASH) in Maintenance and then Canteen Director. He is regularly working in the streets of Austin to meet the people “where they are at” – building relations with homeless individuals, garnering in-kind or collaborative support.
Greg Gibson
ADVISORY BOARD
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Greg Gibson, MAC, MAHS, A highly qualified advocate and mental health professional, Greg has 30 years of experience working with local, state and national organizations that focus on the development, implementation, and operation of health and human services. He has exceptional expertise and experience with populations that are without a regular means of shelter who also cope with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. Greg previously worked for Austin/Travis County Integral Care with previous employment with Texas Homeless Network. Greg received a bachelor’s in Psychology from Midwestern State University; and graduated from St. Edward’s University with a Master’s of Arts in Human Services and concentration in Social and Psychological Services. Greg is also a veteran having served as a Medical Non-Commissioned officer in the Army Reserve.
Universal Living Wage – ULW (National Locality Wage – NLW)
In 1997, Richard R. Troxell created a unique formula that fixes the Federal Minimum Wage. Using existing government guidelines, a three pronged formula was devised that ensures that a person who works 40 hours in a week (be it from one job or more), will be able to afford basic food, clothing, and shelter (utilities included) wherever that work is done throughout the United States.
In April 2001, the Universal Living Wage – ULW (National Locality Wage – NLW) Campaign was launched and simultaneously went on line at www.UniversalLivingWage.org Note. Universal Living Wage – ULW (National Locality Wage – NLW) is a committee of House the Homeless, Inc. In total, 43,000 letters were sent to Unions, Faith Based Organizations, Non-Profits and Businesses. This created a data base of endorsing entities.
Also in 2001, we held our 1st National Day of Action. We gathered at US Post Offices in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Supporting the actions, the campaign raises funds and distributes 4’by 10’ banners and red and white yard signs both directing people to the Universal Living Wage website and the campaign.
We later created a second National Day of Action: Bridge the Economic Gap Day. We get on the bridges of America with slightly different banners (which the campaign again supplies) with participants on at least one bridge in every state in the union. We again direct people to the Universal Living Wage Website and Campaign.
In October 2010, we released the book, Looking Up at the Bottom Line…The Struggle for the Living Wage. Copies were sent to every member of Congress.
In 2013, HtH produced a White Paper: Preventing Homelessness at its Core; Living Wages, Livable Incomes and Discharge No one into Homelessness.
In 2014, HtH is updating and re-issuing the White Paper with a 10 year phase in plan for a National Living Wage. The intention is to send it to all 1400 Mayors with a Resolution enabling them to petition the US Congress to fix the Federal Minimum Wage by indexing it to the local cost of housing (the single most expensive item in the budget of every American).
