Laura is a mother of 5 born and raised in the Charlottesville Virginia community.  She began her career and advocacy for the homeless and displaced community over 5 years ago via PACEM.  (People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry) As an intake specialist with PACEM, she handled overseeing temporary cold weather months shelters that were stationed in various churches. Seeing the needs of those guests, led her to take on  a full time role as a Shelter Supervisor with another non-profit organization in Charlottesville Virginia, called the Haven.  The Haven is a low barrier day shelter that offers respite care and a variety of other resources for the homeless and displaced community.  Five years into advocacy for her community, Laura has remained at the Haven and is currently in her 3rd year with this organization as the Day Shelter Manager.