About Exodus Housing
Our agency’s life long work is not only to help families regain self-sufficiency and control of their lives through our services, but to also join forces with other agencies to end the cycle of domestic violence and homelessness.
Our Mission:
Encouraging independence, empowerment and self-sufficiency for households fleeing domestic violence by providing access to permanent housing, tailored services and community resources; Serving Pierce County.
Our Vision:
A community free of homelessness and domestic violence.
Our Motto:
Empowering Families…Strengthening Communities.
Value Statements:
Hope – Through compassion and respect, we help families discover new hope for their future
Empowerment – Through education, we empower families to become strong and independent
Accountability – Through fiscal responsibility, we leverage donations to support our families
Excellence – Through professional integrity. we bring positive change to our neighborhoods
“Having my own place means getting back on track and finding out who I am. With my case manager we meet and set goals; this is different from what I am used to, but it is fun to actually meet my goals and get them out of the way! I have someone to talk to when my case manager visits, and she also helps me to set my goals. Having a safe place to live helps me achieve that most important goal-being a mother.”
Annual Report:
Every year we publish an annual report on the work Exodus is doing, the outcomes of that work and the various supporters that help us both financially and in-kind.
Download our annual report for 2021 (PDF)
History:
Exodus Housing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that was originally founded in 1994, by a local Sumner businessperson and retired Lutheran minister. Their vision was to start a transitional housing program to help meet the growing needs of families who were homeless in East Pierce County. At the time, this area of the county offered limited resources for families seeking affordable housing and domestic violence services. Originally the program was designed to serve both single and dual parent low income families in transitional housing, who were homeless for many different reasons. However, time and changes in funding has led us to today’s population and housing program, which is to serve low income households who are actively fleeing, or attempting to flee from domestic violence in our rapid rehousing program.
Meet our Dedicated Staff
Tonya Tunnell-Thornhill, Executive Director:
Tonya is responsible for the overall administration and operation of the agency. She holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and a BA degree in Social Sciences with an emphasis in Psychology, Sociology and Human Development. Tonya has been with Exodus Housing for 15 years, working her way up from a volunteer to paid staff. She has held several different job positions within the agency, but has been the Executive Director since December 16, 2016. (January 2006-present)
Lina Abulaban, Family Service Specialist:
Lina provides case management services that assists households access community resources, obtain permanent housing and plan for long term stability. She holds a BA degree in English Literature and French and has had prior work experience with other social service agencies. Lina has been with Exodus Housing for almost 1 year. (August 2021 – present)
Marie Saplan, Family Service Specialist:
Marie provides case management services that assist households access community resources, obtain permanent housing and plan for long term stability. She holds 2 BA degrees, one in Communication/Public Relations and one in Foreign Languages (Spanish with a minor in Japanese and French). Marie has had prior work experience with other social service agencies and has been with Exodus Housing for 5 years. (March 2017 – present)
Paula Shirley, Program & Administrative Assistant:
Paula is responsible for implementing accounting policies and procedures to ensure accurate and timely processing of financial activities at Exodus Housing. She utilizes QuickBooks software to input and reconcile all revenue/expense transactions and invoices as well as make sure all transactions are properly billed to the right funding sources. She also assists with both private and public audits and year-end tax preparations. She also provides case management services that assist households access community resources, obtain permanent housing and plan for long term stability. Paula holds a BA degree in Psychology/Counseling and Human Services and has worked with other social service agencies prior to Exodus Housing. Paula has been with Exodus Housing for 4 years. (April 2018 – present)
Board of Directors
President
Brian Comfort
Attorney, Comfort, Davies & Smith P.S
Vice President
Ruby Elwood
VP Community Manager, Umpqua Bank
Treasurer/Secretary
Andrea Marquez
Attorney, City of Summer
Directors
Chrissanda Walker
Assistant Planner, City of Sumner
Kenneth Jackson
VP Branch Manager, 1st Security Bank
Chuck Walton
Chief Financial Officer, Joe Hall Construction