Andrea Mann is a dedicated volunteer at Solid Ground, where she assists individuals seeking help with issues like housing and public benefits. Operating the front desk, she listens to clients’ stories and connects them with appropriate services. Her empathetic approach has earned her praise from colleagues, including Administrative Services Supervisor Shelby Lunderman, who highlights Andrea’s ability to explain complex topics in accessible terms.

Last year, more than 1,100 volunteers contributed nearly 23,000 hours to Solid Ground, collectively providing almost $1 million in support to combat poverty. Andrea, a former Microsoft project manager, began her volunteer journey by managing data for the Rapid Rehousing team before transitioning to the front desk to make a more significant impact. She values the training provided by Solid Ground, which includes topics such as anti-racism and de-escalation, enhancing her ability to assist callers effectively.

Andrea appreciates the collaborative environment at Solid Ground, where staff readily offer support for challenging inquiries. Her experiences have deepened her understanding of poverty as a complex, interconnected issue. She expresses pride in being part of an organization that genuinely cares for the community it serves.