H.O.T. Homeless Coalition

     I’m Chelle Samaniego, and I’m the new VISTA for the Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition. 

     I started my time here on May 1 and will serve one year as a VISTA through Americorps. I’m currently working alongside Jenny Clines. I’ve learned so much from Jenny, and her guidance has been a tremendous help as I step into this position. Thank you, Jenny!

     I was born and raised in Waco, and in 1998, I moved to Dallas to begin my professional life. In the ten years I lived there, I wore many hats including ballroom dance instructor, singer in a Top 40 cover band, an entertainment consultant who planned weddings, receptions and corporate events, and a managing editor for a nationally recognized publishing company and a well-known travel Web site. Oddly, I think I’ve used skills from all of all my different experiences and job descriptions already in my short time with the Coalition. 

     My husband Michael and I moved back to Waco a little over a year ago. To my surprise, Waco had a homeless coalition! Nothing existed to my knowledge when I left, and I assumed nothing had changed in my absence. Boy, was I wrong! I became a member of the Homeless Coalition in January and am so honored and humbled to be able to play a role in helping those living in poverty and homelessness. With each of your help and knowledge, I hope to make a difference and effect change in the Central Texas area. 
     I’ve met many of you already, and I still have many more to see. I look forward to meeting and chatting with all of you, as well as working with you and your organizations this year. 

Happy serving, 

Chelle Samaniego