About Us
Our Board
We are a grassroots organization that thrives on the expertise and support of individuals who generously share their time, talents, and resources. Our board members are dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion, playing a crucial role in our mission to make a difference.
RENEE BRICKMAN
Founder
Renee is the Programs Manager with the Metanoia Project, a seasonal shelter for men and women living on the streets. Previously, she worked at the West Side Catholic Center assisting people with housing and community resources where she gained an understanding of the disparity of affordable housing in Cleveland. Renee purchased a property for an unhoused Veteran through a program with the Volunteers of America. She wanted to continue providing affordable housing for Veterans and founded Step Into Housing to give back to those who sacrificed so much for our country.
COURTNEY KOZ
President
Courtney brings a wealth of experience in both nonprofit work and real estate. She’s an educator at St. Joseph Academy and a realtor with The Lindsay Team/Keller Williams. As a board member at BayArts, she founded one of their biggest fundraisers, Bark in the Park. If you need something done, Courtney has the knowledge, connections, and heart to make it happen.
Carl Cook
Vice President
Carl is the Director of Food Service and Program Director with St. Herman House of Hospitality, a shelter for men. He is the Founder of Project Save, an organization that works with men, women and children to prevent them from entering the cycle of homelessness and poverty. He also co-founded the Metanoia Project, a seasonal shelter for men and women living on the streets. From his background working with the unhoused and his personal lived experience, Carl understands the needs of this vulnerable population and the skills to help these individuals rise up from poverty.
Suzanne Ferrara
Secretary/Treasurer
As a SVP at Fifth Third Bank, Suzanne is a respected leader and developer of client-focused sales teams. She fosters a culture of excellence, driving success and high achievement. Suzanne also serves on the board of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. Her extensive knowledge and passion have been vital in starting up and growing Step Into Housing.
Mariah Powers
Board Member
Community Support
Volunteers, donors, corporate sponsors, and service agencies all work together to make the dream of ending homelessness in the veteran community possible. Special thanks to the following organizations.
