Who are we?
Higher Ground Abodes (HGA) is a 501(c)(3) grassroots group. Our nonprofit is made up of everyday people who believe in the power of community, and our collective ability to improve the housing situation for our neighbors who are extremely poor, e.g., part-time minimum wage earner.
We recently purchased our first home and will make it available for 4 to 5 youth transitioning out foster care. Our aim is to provide these young people with the stability, support, and sense of belonging through shared housing, education, and advocacy while they work toward completion of a higher education or job certification. Ultimately, we want to see young people have a real shot at self-sufficiency.
We don’t work in isolation, however. Rather, HGA relies on its “village” - friends, family, and faith-based, business, education, and other community partners - who help us to help young adults improve their circumstances.
Our President & CEO
“Our government alone cannot address the housing crisis at the level it exist. But imagine the impact that we, ordinary citizens, can make by pooling our efforts for people to have a home.”
Meet Our Board
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Kelila Anstett
BOARD MEMBER
Social work expert and systems thinker, Kelila connects the dots to support families and communities. She’s all about advocacy, impact, and making change happen!
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LaVeta Davenport
BOARD MEMBER
Community builder, educator, finance whiz, and nonprofit powerhouse, LaVeta leads Levadeh with heart. She’s got a knack for strategy, fundraising, and making big ideas happen!
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Hope Ellison
BOARD MEMBER
Interior designer and project management guru, Hope brings precision and passion to every project. A champion for equity, she’s all about commitment, clarity, and action!
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Alena Farooq
BOARD MEMBER
Alena is a fundraising pro and nonprofit strategist. She fuels social impact through smart investments, and relationship building, and is passionate about social enterprise!
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Ocie Irons
BOARD MEMBER
Co-op champion and economic development guru, Ocie uplifts communities through strategic planning, outreach, and a passion for building shared wealth!
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ArReana Jackson
BOARD SECRETARY
ArReana is a dynamic master’s prepared mental health administrator who advocates for individuals’ rights. As a foster care alumni, she's serious about system change, but knows how to balance life with fun!
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Sandra Peppers
BOARD CHAIR
Our longest serving board member, “Sandy” is our esteemed chair. A life-long member of Vernon Chapel AME in Conant Gardens, she has a legacy of developing programs in that community for improved health and wealth of its residents!
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Tonja Stapleton
BOARD TREASURER
A city planner with deep Detroit ties, Tonja leads a consulting firm devoted to small business development. A bold initiator, she excels in communication and partnerships!
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Megan Thibos
BOARD MEMBER
Economic mobility expert and United Way innovator, Megan crafts bold strategies to break barriers. A data-driven changemaker with a heart for financial empowerment!
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Jubek Yongo-Bure
BOARD MEMBER
Urban planning pro with deep Detroit ties, Jubek turns ideas into thriving developments. When she’s not shaping the city, she's pushing for reparations and equity!