Q & A with Melanie McDonald

Melanie McDonald’s work with Homeward primarily happens behind the scenes. Although most people who interact with Homeward might not collaborate with Melanie directly, her efforts are critical to the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission. As Homeward’s Grants and Compliance Manager, she ensures that grants are implemented properly and Homeward is set up for success.

Melanie joined Homeward in 2006 and over the past 17 years she has been a driving force behind Homeward serving our region’s most vulnerable neighbors.

Given her important role and insights, we thought it would be great to ask her a few questions.

Question: What is your role at Homeward?

Answer: Currently, I serve as Homeward’s Grants and Compliance Manager. In this role, one of my responsibilities is to manage public grants that Homeward has been awarded. I focus on optimizing the use of funds from multiple public sources, and ensuring that the funds are used within the parameters set by the grant agreements. This work also assures that the money we receive is used effectively and can impact as many people as possible.

There are also significant administrative needs related to Homeward managing HMIS (a federally mandated database of individuals receiving homeless services). More than 360 homeless services staff across 20 communities in the state use a shared database to understand the needs of people experiencing homeless and coordinate services to solve their homelessness.

In addition to grant compliance, I also administer a wide array of operational functions, including insurance procurement, risk management, employee benefits administration, payroll review, vendor contract management, accounting and bookkeeping support, and regulatory compliance.

Q: Your role is vital to Homeward’s ability to operate successfully and it’s also work that doesn’t get “seen” out in the field. Is there anything you wish more people knew or understood about the behind-the-scenes work that happens at Homeward?

A: The process for receiving and using public funds to fulfill the mission of a nonprofit is complex and highly regulated. I believe it is in the best interest of everyone (the clients who receive services, the nonprofits who provide the services, and the tax payers who provide the public funds) that money from public sources is spent ethically and effectively. I work to ensure that Homeward has systems and processes in place to ensure that we remain good stewards of public funds.

Q: How has your work at Homeward changed over the years?

A: When I started at Homeward, we were a staff of seven. My responsibilities were more generalized. At that time we all wore many hats. As the organization has grown over the years (we now have 13 full-time and 8 part-time staff), and the number of public grants has increased, I have been able to move into my current role.

Q: What motivates you in this work?

A: Knowing that my work helps our team succeed and support more people in need. While I don’t interact with people experiencing homelessness every day, I do sometimes have opportunities to talk with them. Whenever this happens, I’m reminded why I work here.



When I first joined Homeward 17 years ago, I was looking for a position where I could apply my skills and energy to something that felt more real to me. At Homeward, I found a group of creative, dedicated people who are working to solve a very real challenge. At the end of each work week, I know that my efforts have enabled Homeward’s staff to have a bigger impact. I’m still thrilled to be here!