Alan Blahey moved to Sarnia years ago with few plans and no expectations. Since then, he has enjoyed a full career in research in the oil and gas industry, and has found great pleasure in raising his family in this amazing community.  Now he spends his time helping others find that success and happiness.

Barry Bentley is a Sarnia business owner.  He is an active participant in efforts to bring affordable and supportive housing to the community.

Cathy Hockin has lived in Sarnia/Brights Grove for most of her life, and worked as a Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist. She has been an active member of our community and is well aware of the significant number of homeless people living here. She is a keen supporter and advocate for supportive housing, specifically because it includes additional services which uphold the tenants.

Dave Rushton spent his career in municipal government and energy. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Economic Developer (EcD), and holds a Schulich’s Master Certificate in Municipal Leadership. He has been a Rotarian for over 20 years and currently a member of the Sarnia Rotary Club. His passion for ensuring people have a home has continued for years through his municipal work, and he is currently on the Board of Directors for the Sarnia Lambton Habitat for Humanity.

Deve Persad has been serving as a Pastor in the Sarnia Lambton community for over 25 years. He continues to seek opportunities to help the vulnerable and under-resourced in our community.

Diane Robb is a graphic designer. She has served on the Alzheimer Society's Board of Directors for six years and continues to contribute as a member of its Fund Development Committee. Diane developed the HOME brand identity and logo, designed the project's information brochure and launch event materials, and continues to collaborate on the HOME website and social media campaigns. Diane believes that everyone deserves a safe place to call home and the opportunity to live with dignity, respect, and hope.

Gail Furlan MSW, RSW, came to Sarnia from Windsor in 1987 as Coordinator of Services for Sarnia Lambton Children's Aid Society, later becoming the Director of the Family Counselling Centre and then had her own Professional Counselling business. She has spent most of her life working with people and is particularly interested in helping to raise the level of supportive housing in Sarnia Lambton in whatever way she can given her work, fundraising and board experience.

Heather Martin has led a campus of housing and supportive services to the senior population of Sarnia-Lambton for four decades. Innovative strategies have expanded housing solutions which include affordable apartments and a variety of housing options for newcomers as they embrace life in our great community. Heather has an unwavering commitment to working with community partners to find solutions to affordable housing shortages that provide wrap around services to those in need.

Jamie Wark is a Lifelong Sarnia resident and has been involved in the community most of his adult life, serving on boards and coaching hockey.  He’s kept in touch with the youth from those years, some of whom have had a tough time in their lives and are struggling. His own life has been affected by addiction and mental health, with friends and family members fighting fiercely to beat their demons. He is committed to seeing this through and doing his part to see each Sarnia resident with a place to call H.O.M.E.

Jeff Burchill is a lifelong resident of Sarnia, retired business owner and active community volunteer. He believes that finding housing solutions in our community is beneficial for all residents and looks to success stories in other cities as examples of the progress we can make in Sarnia.

John DeGroot has a life long history of service to his community.  Whether as business owner (DeGroot’s Nurseries) or community volunteer, John takes each role with passion, eagerness and pleasure.

Larry Luth has spent most of his adult life in Sarnia, working in the petrochemical industry and has played an active role volunteering in both not-for-profit and community organizations, both locally and in Haiti. He is a champion for community members’ rights, views housing as a basic right, and is proud to support efforts to bring supportive housing to the community.

Lynn Baarschers attended a public County Council meeting about homelessness in 2024 and was inspired to Be a Part of the Solution.  Along with some friends, she organized a successful event to raise money for an Indwell supportive housing opportunity that was being considered for Sarnia.  Sharing information, education and making a difference in her community are Lynn's goals in being part of the HOME group.

Marie Marcy-Smids is passionate about supporting people facing homelessness, addiction, and other complex challenges. As the former Operations Manager of the Inn of the Good Shepherd, she witnessed firsthand the need for safe, stable housing and compassionate community support. Today, as Director of Fund Development and Community Relations at the Alzheimer Society Sarnia-Lambton, Marie continues to build partnerships and raise funds that strengthen the community and improve lives.

Mariya Miller is a finance professional with more than 10 years of experience in banking. She has been involved with Women United in Kingston, where she contributed to initiatives addressing homelessness, and in March 2022 she became involved with 4Ukraine.ca, supporting individuals at risk of human trafficking. She also volunteers with Bluewater Health and serves on the boards of the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton and Community Concerns for the Medically Fragile. Mariya is committed to advancing compassionate and sustainable supportive housing solutions in Sarnia-Lambton.

Michael John Kooy grew up in downtown Sarnia and has been active in the Sarnia Lambton business community for many years.  He served on the Chamber of Commerce board and is a member of the Rotary Club of Sarnia. He is an enthusiastic advocate for the homeless and a tireless believer in supportive housing.

Paddy Roach spent most of his working life in Industry in Sarnia. Since retirement, he has volunteered for several charitable and faith organizations, including the Sarnia Community Foundation and Dunlop Central United Church.

Rick Marsh grew up in  rural Lambton County and has lived in Sarnia for over forty years.  His life long commitment to volunteering has lead him to be a Rotarian, baseball coach, 4 H leader, and to be active in other community volunteer activities. He strongly believes that affordable and supportive housing makes a healthier and stronger community.