JULIE ALSTON NAMED HUD'S CHARLESTON FIELD OFFICE DIRECTOR

PHILADELPHIA - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Jane C.W. Vincent announced today the selection of Julie Alston to serve as HUD's field office director in Charleston for the state of West Virginia.

Alston will serve as HUD's liaison to elected officials, congressional delegations, city managers, stakeholders and customers. She will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of HUD programs and services to communities, as well as evaluating their efficiency and effectiveness.

"Julie has an extensive background in public service that will make her an invaluable asset to HUD and the communities we serve," said Vincent. "Her vast experience in dealing with vulnerable populations and in administering federal programs will greatly support HUD's initiatives, including efforts to strengthen communities and to prevent and end homelessness."

In her previous position, Alston had served as the director of the West Virginia Office of Economic Opportunity since 2010, overseeing HUD's Emergency Solutions Grant and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS programs. As the director, she pushed to create a compliance team responsible for all state and federal oversight of regulatory monitoring requirements, helping to create a new compliance division within the Department of Commerce. 

"From my days as a social worker to my appointment as a member of the West Virginia Interagency Council on Homelessness, my passion has always been to touch the lives of those in need," said Alston. "I am excited to have this opportunity to continue my lifelong pursuit at the federal level and as a member of the HUD team."

Alston began her career in state government as a child protective service worker. As a trained professional in the field of forensic interviewing and childhood trauma, she made a significant difference in the lives of children, giving them a chance to flourish in a loving, protective home environment. She later worked as a victim services director for the Upshur County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. While there, she quickly established herself as the voice of the victim, staunchly working to protect the rights of crime victims in criminal proceedings.

Her journey as an advocate for people experiencing homelessness began in Charleston while serving as the vice president of a local nonprofit homeless service provider. Within four years, she became the chief executive officer, making a mark in the Kanawha Valley in the way homeless services were viewed and operated. Through partnerships at all levels of government, she helped develop pilot programs that now serve as best practices for dealing with homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse. She also assisted in the initial creation of the West Virginia Balance of State Continuum of Care, a network of local homeless service providers, to better secure unused state funding.

Alston earned her bachelor's degree in sociology and anthropology from West Virginia University.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. The Department's Mid-Atlantic region includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. The regional office is in Philadelphia.

More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov and www.espanol.hud.gov. Connect with HUD on social media and follow Secretary Castro on Twitter and Facebook or sign up for news alerts via HUD's email list.