Systems Strategy and Support Services

Homeward Alliance (HWA) develops and implements systems strategies to address homelessness through systemic change. Homeward Alliance has provided direct services to people experiencing homelessness since its inception. In 2019, we expanded to offer technical services, using our frontline knowledge to help other nonprofits grow their impact and better serve their communities.

What we do:

• By working with partners across Northern Colorado, including the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care (NoCO CoC), we build better ways to evaluate programs, use technology, and coordinate services. 
• Our approach integrates Housing First and Trauma-Informed Care models, promotes data-driven decision-making, and ensures equitable access to resources.

Explore Our Work:

Current Projects Previous Projects/Work Support Services

Technical Team

David Rout, Executive Director

David Rout is the Executive Director of Homeward Alliance, where he has led the organization’s growth from a small grassroots nonprofit to the region’s leading agency addressing homelessness. David is dedicated to transforming bold ideas into impactful realities, driving innovation and inspiring change. David has been the force behind the development of a comprehensive continuum of programs that range from basic needs assistance to housing-focused case management and employment services – all aimed at making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Initially joining Homeward Alliance in 2012 as one of the first employees of the organization, David became executive director in 2014. He is actively engaged in regional collaborations, representing Homeward Alliance on multiple task forces and boards dedicated to housing and homelessness solutions. David holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Colorado State University and remains committed to fostering innovative, data-driven, and community-centered approaches to ending homelessness.

 

 

Linda Nuss, Systems Strategy Director

Linda Nuss is a Systems Strategy Director for Homeward Alliance, where she leads high-level initiatives to address homelessness across the region. Linda’s combination of big-picture thinking and collaborative leadership has paved the way for dismantling barriers to innovation, driving policy reform and creating sustainable system-wide change.

Linda joined Homeward Alliance in 2014. Prior to stepping into her current role, Linda served as Operations Director, playing a key role in transforming the organization from a grassroots effort into a leading regional non-profit. She was instrumental in developing and scaling programs, building operational infrastructure, and driving organizational growth. Linda is passionate about ensuring that individuals with lived experience have a voice in shaping solutions.

 

 

 

Sandra Wright, Systems Strategy Director

Sandra Wright is a Systems Strategy Director at Homeward Alliance, where she represents the organization’s expertise arm in high-level strategic initiatives across the region. Sandra engages with a broad spectrum of stakeholders to foster community collaboration and ensure alignment among diverse groups to work toward sustainable solutions.

Prior to joining Homeward Alliance in 2021, Sandra served as the Executive Director of Loveland’s Community Kitchen for seven years where she was responsible for providing overall leadership, direction, strategy, and vision to the organization. In addition to her non-profit background, she brings over 15 years’ experience working with beginning stage companies where she oversaw daily operations, product development, marketing and public relations. She actively engages in multiple task forces and boards focused on regional homelessness response.

 

 

 

Rachel Kirkland, Data & Technical Assistance Director

Rachel Kirkland is the Data & Technical Assistance Director for Homeward Alliance, overseeing the collection, management and interpretation of data, to drive informed decision making and improve operational efficiency.  In that role, she serves as the HMIS System Administrator for the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care. Rachel brings expertise in data-driven solutions and systems improvement, spearheading initiatives to ensure data compatibility across multiple platforms.

Rachel has been a member of Homeward Alliance since 2016, serving in a variety of key roles, including Resource Navigator and Re-Entry Program Manager. Rachel’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence continues to shape and improve the region’s approach to addressing homelessness.