Colleen Carmichael: Compassion and Impact for the Unhoused

Colleen Carmichael has spent nearly two decades leading with courage and compassion as the Executive Director of New Horizons in Gig Harbor, Washington. Her work focuses on providing permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless – individuals whose challenges often stem from deep trauma but who can thrive when given stability and care. A Wealth Architects client since 2006, Colleen shares how her personal journey shaped her calling, the impact of her organization’s work, and what it means to live a truly wealthy life.

Colleen, can you share a little about what you do at New Horizons?

On the spectrum of care for homeless individuals, we provide permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless. These are individuals who often have health issues, mental health challenges, or addictions, and who cost the community the most when left on the streets. What we do is simple but powerful: we get people off the streets, into housing, and provide programs so they stabilize and don’t go back. Once they are housed, they can calm down, they can access care, and they begin to heal.

What do you wish more people understood about homelessness?

When you see someone on the corner yelling or clearly struggling, many people feel afraid or avoid eye contact. But in all my years of doing this work, I’ve never once been threatened by someone who was homeless. I have, however, felt threatened by community members who see me as an “enabler.”

The truth is, the stories of the people we serve would break your heart. Many were abused as children – physically, sexually, or verbally. That trauma eroded their self-worth and often drove addiction. If people could see them as the injured children they once were, they might feel more empathy and understand why stable housing is so essential. Housing is the cheapest and most effective way to end homelessness. The data is there, but fear and misinformation are powerful obstacles.

How does your organization help people begin to heal from trauma?

First, it’s about safety. When someone comes into housing, we build trust through consistent appointments and relationships. From there, we introduce trauma-informed care…maybe an art class that’s actually art therapy, or a guitar group with a music therapist. Incentives help too. In our last resident survey, 89% participated because we gave out $5 Starbucks cards. It sounds simple, but it works. Over time, people start to believe that we’ll keep our word. And when they trust us, they can begin to rebuild their lives. Of the 30 people in our first village, all 30 graduated into stable housing.

What personally drew you to this work?

Two things. In high school, I read Anne Frank’s diary, and I promised myself I would never allow something like that to happen on my watch. Later, I had my own experience of not being believed or seen when I was hurt as a child. That shaped me. It gave me a calling to help people who are judged or told they aren’t worthy of love and attention. For me, living a good life is about elevating others, even in the face of criticism. If I know I’ve done what I can for others, I can live with the person I see in the mirror.

You’ve been a Wealth Architects client since 2006. What has that relationship meant to you?

For me, trust is everything. Because of my experience growing up and not feeling like I could trust many, it’s really critical that I have a good relationship with people. And with Wealth Architects, I feel safe. Year after year, through recessions and crises, you’ve been consistent and honest. You don’t sugarcoat challenges — you communicate, you check in, you recognize life events. That consistency has allowed me to focus on serving others. I just feel really solid with you guys, and that’s something you can’t put a dollar amount on.

=-=-=-=

Copyright © 2025 Wealth Architects, LLC

The information provided in this commentary is intended to be informative and not intended to be advice relative to any investment or portfolio offered through Wealth Architects. The views expressed in this commentary reflect the opinion of the author based on data available as of the date this article [essay] was written and is subject to change without notice. This commentary is not a complete analysis of any sector, industry or security. Individual investors should consult with their financial advisor before implementing changes in their portfolio based on opinions expressed. The information provided in this commentary is not a solicitation for the investment management or other services offered by Wealth Architects. References incorporated into the report [essay] from third party sources are as of the date specified and are believed to be reliable. Wealth Architects is not responsible for errors in the third party data.