North Central Florida Homeless Continuum of Care Board elects new members

Press release from the Keys to Home Continuum of Care

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Keys to Home Continuum of Care (CoC) Leadership Council Board announced that, following a unanimous certification of election results on June 4, 2026, four new members and two incumbent members were elected to serve on the Board to provide guidance and oversight of policy and funding activities in accordance with federal CoC governance regulations. Following certification of the election, the Board also unanimously re-elected its executive officers.

“The progress our Continuum of Care has achieved over the past several years demonstrates what is possible when communities work together toward a shared goal,” said CoC Council Chair Claudia Huggins-Tuck. “We have strengthened rural collaboration in Union and Dixie counties, which were previously unserved by any CoC, expanded housing and shelter resources, improved system performance, and reduced homelessness across our region. While we are proud of these accomplishments, much work remains ahead. I am excited to welcome our new Board members and continue strengthening a coordinated system that helps individuals and families achieve housing stability and economic independence. In the year ahead, we look forward to launching a state-of-the-art homeless prevention system designed to streamline access and help families receive assistance before a housing crisis becomes homelessness. We will also soon open a public portal for residents and business owners to request homeless outreach assistance. Together, we remain committed to building a stronger, more responsive system of care for our community.”

Led by TaskForce for Ending Homelessness, the Keys to Home CoC serves Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Putnam, and Union counties. The Leadership Council Board consists of 18 seats, including representatives appointed by local governments and members elected by stakeholders to two-year terms.

Newly Elected Members

• Erick Saks, Executive Director of Operation Lifeline, Inc. and President of Lifeline Construction, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Ret.), representing the real estate sector.

• Fred Schilffarth, President of the Board of Directors for Neighborhood Housing and Development Corporation, representing homeless service providers.

• Madelyn “Maddye” Fleming, Director of Community Impact at United Way of North Central Florida and 2-1-1, representing the behavioral health sector.

• Pamela Worsham, Homeless Education Coordinator for Alachua County Public Schools, representing the family homelessness sector.

Re-Elected Members

• Amanda Nazaro, Executive Director of Alachua County Housing Authority, representing public housing authorities.

• Lori Slaven, Executive Director of Lee Conlee House, representing domestic violence service providers.

Re-Elected Executive Leadership Officers

• Chair Claudia Huggins-Tuck, LCSW, Director of Community Support Services, Alachua County Board of County Commissioners.

• Vice Chair Dr. Bea Awoniyi, Assistant Vice President, Santa Fe College.

• Treasurer Michelle Sherfield, Community Relations Manager, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.