Our Dedicated Team
Experts committed to providing housing support
Meet Our Housing Mission Team
ESVA Housing Mission is powered by a team dedicated to safe housing for Eastern Shore residents. Staff, volunteers, and community partners bring diverse skills, knowledge, and a shared commitment to service. Each team member listens carefully to residents’ needs, assesses urgent repairs, and coordinates projects with precision and care. Volunteers receive guidance and on-site support to deliver high-quality repairs, whether building wheelchair ramps or addressing structural issues. The team’s compassion, faith, and accountability ensure every project restores safety and dignity. Together, they turn community concern into tangible results, strengthening homes and building hope for families across the region.
Board of Directors
Donna Smith
Chairperson
I am honored to support Eastern Shore Housing Mission by collaborating with neighbors and partners to create safer access to homes and promote independence for individuals who might not otherwise receive help.
John Fiege
Treasurer
I believe in the Golden Rule and serving others with critical human needs. Some of our clients haven’t been able to leave their homes in months or even years without emergency medical services. Providing vital repairs to these homes is life changing. As treasurer, I promise that we are extremely efficient with your donations—most work is done by volunteers and the board. Overhead is minimal.
Rick King
Director of Operations
Our families, from Grandparents to Grandchildren, have always volunteered to help within their local communities. From churches, schools, fire and rescue, to simply helping neighbors in need. Being able to continue creating new friendships with volunteers, as well as homeowners in desperate need of home repairs; or just providing safe access in and out of a home to prevent falls. It's well worth the hugs and smiles when a day's worth of effort truly improves someone's ability to move safely throughout their home.
Jennifer Barnes
Having provided both community and emergency medical care on the shore for over 30 years, I saw a clear need for the ESVA Housing Mission. In my capacity on the board I review applicants, considering their individual needs as well as eligibility. The health and safety of our community is directly impacted by the work we do.
Don Taylor
Born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, I was the founder of Chesapeake Housing Mission serving the lower four counties of Maryland for 12 years. During that time we competed over 1000 projects making homes warmer, safer and drier. I hope to help this team repeat this success achieved in Maryland.
Mozella Francis
As a board member, I am honored to serve ESVA Housing because it allows me to directly support families in Northampton County who need safe, livable homes. The mission aligns with my values and my belief in serving others through compassion, stewardship, and action. Serving on the board of ESVA gives me the opportunity to help guide a growing organization that relies on volunteerism and generosity to create real, lasting change to members of the community while helping neighbors live with dignity and hope.
Bill Sterling
I have been involved in community service all my life, particularly in organizations that improve the quality of life on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
My civic club, the Pungoteague Ruritan Club, has installed wheelchair ramps for the past 25 years; thus, I had a background in acquiring and installing ramps for handicapped individuals.
I was familiar with many of the individuals on the Eastern Shore of Virginia Housing Mission board of directors and knew of their commitment and service to helping those who don’t have the advantages many of us enjoy.
Vanessa Johnson
I serve on this mission because it’s a Christian based initiative helping those in need, making homes warmer, safer, drier and healthier.
Proverbs 19:7. The one who is gracious to the poor lends to the Lord, and the Lord will repay him for his good deed.
Javon Smith
Assistant Treasurer
An Eastern Shore Native from Onancock, Javon is a local tax accountant who donates tax, bookkeeping and professional business services to the ESVA HM. His passion for community services has aligned with the ESVA HM’s focus on improving safe and living conditions for low-income residents in Accomack and Northampton Counties.
Belaveate Holden
I serve on the board because of what this mission stands for. It is close to my heart because I am a product of the Eastern Shore, and to see that impact of this non-profit organization that is providing hope, and facilitating neighbors helping neighbors. I am very grateful for all who are able to receive a better quality of life because of the work that is being done with in the community with all those who have and/or committed to this cause.
Advisory Board of Directors
Chad Saunders
Operations & Administration Team
Dawn Parks
Admin
I became involved with the ESVA Housing Mission through my husband, who participates on the build team. I was looking for an opportunity to “give back” by working with an organization with a local emphasis and not a big box feel. It has been rewarding to visit real people with real needs and be able to make their struggles a bit easier.
Bill Dougherty
OPS Team
I am living my retirement dream on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. I have been fortunate in life and the Eastern Shore Housing Mission provides an ideal situation to give back to society. I enjoy the comradery of the build teams and helping folks who appreciate the assistance we provide to them.
Eddie Mears
We don’t need to look hard to find folks in need because of health issues, or lack of resources. It’s easy for most of us to traverse a set of steps without a second thought. Seeing the excitement and joy from the clients that we have helped is overwhelming. To know that their everyday existence has been improved beyond their expectations is humbling.
Greg Smith
I grew up in northern Accomack County and have always enjoyed giving back to help those who are in need.
Larry Baxter
I am retired and feel led to serve and volunteer to help those in need. The service this team provides for the community is truly needed. Helping this team gives me a sense of community, purpose and fulfillment.
Brian Kaiser
Coming Soon...
CJ Pruitt
Coming Soon...
Kevin Linton
Coming Soon...