In this episode, host Michelle Voke sits down with the inspiring Todae' Charles, Director of Supportive Services at BGC Advantage. Based just outside Dallas, Texas, Todae' Charles brings two decades of boots-on-the-ground experience—and her own transformative journey from teen parent navigating homelessness to a leader who oversees supportive services across thousands of units.

Listen in as Michelle Voke and Todae' Charles talk about the power of lived experience in advocacy and service coordination, the creative ways her organization weaves support into every property, and how true partnership and passion can cultivate not just housing, but blossoming communities.

Whether you work in affordable housing, benefit from its programs, or just want to learn what it takes to keep people stably housed, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and a rallying call for respect and innovation in our field.

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Key takeaways:

• Lived Experience Drives Impact: Todae' Charles' own history as a housing recipient equips her to truly empathize with and advocate for residents, making support more meaningful and solutions more effective.
• Collaboration is Key: Building strong relationships between property management, service coordinators, and residents—along with community partners—creates better outcomes and a sense of shared purpose.
• Innovative Models Make a Difference: BGC Advantage’s creative approach ensures supportive services reach residents, regardless of funding model, setting a standard for mission-driven, resident-centered housing.

Moments

04:38 Sharing personal success story

07:43 Roles and responsibilities at BGC

10:54 Value of lived experience

14:29 Conducting Resident Satisfaction Surveys

19:04 Importance of Team Unity

21:48 Managing the sign-in process

24:05 Prioritizing housing and services

29:14 Building Partnerships with Local Organizations

30:22 Partnering with colleges and communities

33:26 Understanding affordable housing services

38:40 Reflecting on Empathy and Support

41:33 Caring for people in housing

43:22 Resident service coordinators' role

Advancing national standards of practice for service coordination by amplifying the voice of our members.

We are committed to enhancing service coordination through leadership, professional development, advocacy, and partnerships.

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