Governance
Our board is currently a four-member body, which includes the Executive Director as a non-voting member. We meet monthly, in person or over Zoom. We are actively looking to increase our board. If you are interested in joining us, please check out our volunteers page.
Board Members
Janet Harris- Secratary
Janet has been on the island most of her life. She joined the WHC board four years ago and has evolved into the Crazy Bag Lady of South Whidbey. You can often find her at island craft shows collecting donations for the Whidbey Homeless Coalition, surrounded by her bags, which she gives to donors in appreciation of their contribution. Doing this she has raised over $10,000 for the Coalition.
She is married, has two grown children, and three grandchildren (all who live on the island). She joined the board to learn more about helping people who are in need or vulnerable, and to understand why there are so many obstacles for people trying to help them.
She stepped into the role of President in June 2023.
Bob Nelson-Treasurer
Robert (Bob) Nelson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a BS in Metallurgical Engineering. After five years as a quality Engineer at the Caterpillar Tractor Company in East Peoria, Illinois, he relocated his family to Washington state. Bob retired from PACCAR Corporation after 30 years as a Quality professional and even won national awards. Bob and his wife, Karen, have four adult children and seven grandchildren. In retirement Bob and Karen moved to Oak Harbor, bought a boat, and cruised the Salish Sea and inland passage. During his 17 boating years he also served in leadership roles in both the local Power Squadron and the Oak Harbor Yacht Club. Bob is currently active with the Missions team at Whidbey Presbyterian Church. In 2017 Bob began volunteering for The Whidbey Homeless Coalition until the pandemic. He serves as liaison to both WHC and SPIN.
Bobbi Lornson - President
Originally from Texas, Bobbi came to Whidbey Island in 1981 and has since called it home. Past experiences range from owning a saw sharpening business, working for a federal child abuse program, owning a new and used furniture store, running the Navy Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program for NAS Whidbey and Naval Base Kitsap. She coached and coordinated the Special Olympics for many years. She is aware that sometimes things go wrong in one’s life which may result in homelessness. She sincerely believes she can make those hard times easier. She is an active member of the Oak Harbor Lions Club and works as the Coalition’s liaison with them. As the coordinator of the Haven transport vans, she works with the Lions to provide most of the van drivers.