Who are we?

Higher Ground Abodes (HGA) is a 501(c)(3) grassroots nonprofit made up of neighbors, mentors, and community members who believe every young person deserves a stable place to call home. We are driven by the conviction that housing, belonging, and opportunity can transform the lives of young adults facing extreme poverty, including those aging out of foster care. Our community works together to create shared‑living environments where young people can build confidence, stability, and a path toward independence.

We put this belief into action by surrounding motivated youth with housing, guidance, and practical support as they pursue higher education or job certification. Over the years, we have awarded mini‑grants, hosted a 10‑week summer camp, and—most significantly—in 2024 purchased a four‑bedroom home where selected ELIs can gain tenancy and experience the dignity of stable, long‑term housing.

Our model is powered by community. We leverage our nonprofit status to raise funds, engage mission‑aligned partners, and mobilize skilled professionals and volunteers. Through donated labor, collaborative partnerships, and hands‑on community workdays, we are restoring the home debt‑free—turning it into a lasting resource that will serve young adults for years to come.

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.”
— Dr. Donna M. Coulter, PhD

Meet Our Board

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • Alena Farooq

    BOARD SECRETARY

    Alena is a fundraising pro and nonprofit strategist. She fuels social impact through smart investments, and relationship building, and is passionate about social enterprise!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • Tonja Stapleton

    BOARD MEMBER

    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!

  • Megan Thibos

    BOARD TREASURER

    Economic mobility expert and United Way innovator, Megan crafts bold strategies to break barriers. A data-driven changemaker with a heart for financial empowerment!

  • 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!

Meet our University of

Michigan Board Fellows

  • Adiah Bailey

    Public policy and finance leader advancing equitable community investment and opportunity.

  • Drew Hubbard

    MBA student and strategist building inclusive, high-impact business leadership pathways.