Hi – I’m Christin!
I am someone who is passionate, understanding, and easy-going. In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my new baby, my husband, our dog Nugget, and friends.
I started working at Pathways Vermont in October of 2020 as a Rapid Rehousing Housing Coordinator and began my current role as Pathways Property Manager South in July 2021. In my role, I manage and maintain the units that Pathways leases in Southern Vermont. We currently have 34 units that serve 40 program participants. Most of the units are part of our transitional housing programs, and a few are dedicated to permanent supportive housing.
My role involves navigating conversations with property owners about maintenance and repairs, addressing tenancy issues, working with contractors to turn over units, ensuring tenants are abiding by their leases, and conducting inspections. A typical day varies, but I’m mostly doing the things listed above and connecting with owners and community partners to address housing-related concerns.
Pathways’ mission inspires me because of the participants we serve! Many of the people moving into our transitional housing are exiting difficult circumstances such as incarceration or homelessness. It is so inspiring to see them on move-in day, motivated to be part of the community and make positive changes in their lives. Some have been without stable housing for years, and the day can be overwhelming, but just seeing their joy and thankfulness when they get into their apartment is so rewarding.
Recently, one participant was able to transition from temporary housing into a permanent supportive housing program. Watching someone move from homelessness to a transitional unit and then into a permanent residence is such a joy. My favorite part of my job is watching participants graduate to permanent housing. Some days it’s bittersweet hearing that they’re ready to move on, but that just means they’ve utilized their transitional unit to the fullest and are ready for the next step. That’s exactly what this work is about.
I am motivated to come to work every day knowing that I am part of an agency that is making a difference. As a Pathways Property Manager, I tend to work behind the scenes and only interact in person with a participant if there’s an apartment issue, a move-in or move-out, or a housing inspection. I strive to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable in their home, which involves navigating relationships with owners, contractors, and community members.
This work would not be possible without the support of our property owners. Pathways rents units from landlords and, in turn, acts as the landlord to our participants. Without property owners willing to partner with us, we would not have units for participants to live in. I value these property owners, along with our community partners and support teams. We all work together to ensure participants are as successful as possible.
As a first-time mom with an 11-month-old baby, balancing motherhood with my work has been very challenging. I thank Pathways for being so flexible when it comes to my needs. My supervisors, Sierra Streeter and Suzanne Counter, have been so understanding and supportive when it comes to my new role in motherhood. I can’t thank them enough for reminding me that they are always here for me when needed. Pathways is all about meeting people where they’re at, and that goes for employees as well.
