Terrell Berry Discusses the Future of Council for the Homeless
By Nneka D. Coxeff
I recently sat down with Terrell Berry, our newly hired chief impact officer, to discuss his role and vision for the future. This position was created to add to our efforts in reducing and ending family homelessness in Clark County, and to oversee our programs including Coordinated Outreach, Housing Coordination, and the Housing Hotline.
“I aim to create a lasting impact and move our community closer to a future where housing is a right, not a privilege,” Terrell shared.
Below is a look at our conversation about his experience and plans to assist in our efforts to prevent and end homelessness in Clark County.
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Q: As the chief impact officer, what will you be responsible for in this role?
Terrell: I will be leading a five-year initiative, funded by the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund Grant, to reduce family homelessness by at least 15%. My focus will be on literal homelessness — families living in cars, shelters, or outdoors — as well as addressing the growing number of families who are “couch-surfing” or doubled-up. I’ll also supervise our program managers, who oversee the delivery of assessments, outreach to folks living outside, intakes and housing program placements, and more.
Q: How does your background prepare you for this role?
Terrell: My entire career has been focused on advocating for housing justice and homelessness prevention. While I was earning a master’s degree in social work, I interned at Council for the Homeless and have been a community partner for years. I have a great understanding of the work, as well as the challenges families face when they’re struggling with housing instability. I am deeply committed to making housing accessible to everyone.
Q: What is your vision for the future of homelessness prevention in Clark County?
Terrell: I aim to create a lasting impact and move our community closer to a future where housing is a right, not a privilege. I want to help shape a system where families in Clark County have greater access to stable housing, and barriers keeping them from the support they need to thrive are removed.
Q: What are your next steps as chief impact officer?
Terrell: One of my primary tasks is to understand gaps in the current housing system and find ways to improve access to housing. I will work closely with our staff and partners to support families more effectively in order to prevent homelessness from occurring in the first place.
Q: Why is this new role so important for Council for the Homeless?
Terrell: This position is a significant step in ensuring that our agency can focus on reducing family homelessness more effectively. It adds to our senior leadership team as we all work to address the housing crisis head-on, from immediate emergency housing needs to long-term solutions. It’s all about creating a cohesive, efficient approach that meets people where they are and helps them get to where they need to be.
Q: How do you hope to impact the community through your leadership?
Terrell: With our family homelessness work, I want to ensure that more families in Clark County find stable and permanent housing. I’m committed to understanding the challenges families face and working with partners to address those challenges. By strengthening our response system and making housing more accessible, we can reduce the number of families experiencing homelessness.
Q: What would you say to those who are currently facing homelessness in Clark County?
Terrell: To families facing homelessness, I want you to know we are working hard to make sure you have access to the resources and services you need to find stability and a safe, permanent place to live. You are not alone in this struggle, and we’re here to help.
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With this addition to our senior leadership, Council for the Homeless is well-positioned to make significant strides in tackling family homelessness. As we continue our commitment to preventing and ending homelessness in Clark County, Terrell’s efforts will be instrumental in driving lasting, positive change.
Nneka D. Coxeff, communications manager, leads external messaging for Council for the Homeless. With more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, she is deeply committed to advocacy and storytelling that uphold mission integrity. She is thrilled to serve Clark County, where she resides with her family.
