On September 16, The Parker Administration appointed Cheryl Hill to lead the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) as Executive Director. Hill joins the departments with three decades of homeless and housing advocacy experience and joins the City after serving at Project HOME. Her prior roles include Senior Vice President of Supportive Housing and Vice President of Property Management and Asset Management. Additionally, Hill served as the Director of Compliance at the Atlanta Housing Authority. One of her defining accomplishments was the development of HUD-50058, which prevented tenant evictions during the 2008 housing crisis. Her commitment to innovation, communication, and effective strategy implementation in vulnerable communities are welcome skills within the Office of Homeless Services. OHS communication team member, Olatunji Coleman, who sat down with the agency’s new leader to learn more about her and her vision, shares their chat. 

What is your vision for the Office of Homeless Services? 

HILL: My goal is to end “chronic homelessness.” My vision welcomes mixed-income neighborhoods or neighborhoods with a mix of market-rate and affordable housing. We want to connect people to housing and focus on deconcentrating poverty in Philadelphia. We should examine what other cities do successfully and implement it here, like Houston’s Navigation Centers.   

How would you describe your leadership style, and how it has evolved over the years? 

HILL: I trust my staff. I am here to support the team, but it’s also important not to micromanage them. I am a leader who is open to pushback because it encourages growth and evolution alongside the community we serve.  

What inspired you to pursue a career in housing advocacy, and what led you to this director role at the Office of Homeless Services? 

HILL: After graduating college, I originally wanted to work in the film/entertainment industry. My origin in non-profits was a means to get my film career off the ground. Eventually, I committed to non-profits and public service, deciding on a path that would eventually help countless vulnerable people. I compare my career path to that of Mr. Holland in the film Mr. Holland’s Opus.  

Do you expect any challenges in the foreseeable future? If so, what are they? 

HILL: Yes, change is hard. I acknowledge that there are ways that OHS can do to be more efficient. Regarding ending chronic homelessness, one of the challenges we face is the “not-in-my-backyard” or NIMBY mindset. We know that, by adding housing, there may be growing pains, but we ultimately encourage neighborly love.  

How do you support your team and employees? 

HILL: I love visual brainstorming sessions. I believe that there are no bad ideas. Leaders should look for the good nuggets in every proposal. I do not believe in following a procedure simply because it’s precedent. New and fresh ideas are always encouraged. I thrive on technology and aim toward a more streamlined delivery of services.