Meet our new CEO, Simon Dwight

Dear Friends,
It is with great pride and excitement that I am writing to introduce myself as the new CEO of Homeward Bound of WNC. As you may know, my plans to join the HB team and move to Western North Carolina have been long and, at times, very challenging. However, I couldn’t be happier to join the team and arrive in the community to provide support at this unprecedented time.
I fell in love with this community and organization many years ago, and this opportunity is a dream come true. I am so thankful that I get to be part of the story as we rebuild together. I am sure that the future of our community is very bright.
I am a few days into my role, and I’ve already found being around the staff, volunteers, and residents inspiring. Homeward Bound is made up of an incredible group of people. I have dedicated my career to ending homelessness. I began as a volunteer at a night shelter before becoming a support worker in a complex needs hostel. After several years on the front line, I became the CEO of a non-profit, which I led for eight years.
For the last five years, I have been working as a Specialist Advisor to the UK government, with a specific focus on policy and delivery that builds partnerships between government, non-profits, and community groups to end unsheltered homelessness.
Alongside my professional roles, I have a strong interest in academia and won scholarships to study at Cambridge and Harvard Universities. My research primarily focuses on the role of relationships in ending homelessness. I continue to believe that bridging the worlds of academia and practice will help us continually improve the systems we build to help people out of homelessness.
We are in a challenging time, but the strength and unity in the community and at Homeward Bound are palpable. The team at Homeward Bound has amazed me as I’ve heard story after story of team members embracing and overcoming the challenges of the last few weeks—they remain unquestionably committed to our residents, clients, and community. It’s because of them that I have never been more convinced that by working together we can end homelessness.
Homeward Bound is more than just the team; it’s all of you—our supporters, volunteers, government leaders, clients and friends. Thank you for all that you’ve already done and will continue to do to support our work. I’m looking forward to meeting you all in person.
Thank you,
Simon