Kris Freed’s extensive experience and expertise in homelessness and housing policy development, program design, and system operation make her a valuable asset in the field. Her leadership roles and contributions to various initiatives demonstrate a commitment to improving services and outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness.

As Chief Programs Officer for a major service provider in Los Angeles, Kris played a pivotal role in implementing the Family Coordinated Entry System (CES), a significant step in enhancing coordination and effectiveness within the homelessness response system. Her involvement in the Continuum of Care Board and the CES Policy Council highlights her dedication to shaping policies and procedures at both the local and federal levels.

Kris’s advocacy for initiatives such as the “Upstream Policy” underscores her innovative approach to addressing homelessness by ensuring individuals receive appropriate interventions without returning to homelessness. Her emphasis on specificity within staffing roles and strategic resource utilization reflects a keen understanding of the complex needs of homeless populations and the importance of tailored support. Additionally, her work on incorporating the shared housing intervention into our mainstream service delivery systems has been integral across the sector for the past 12 years. Kris’s most recent concept of government backed master leasing has become the primary housing acquisition strategy being scaled across Los Angeles County over the past 18 months—and being explored by communities like Seattle and San Diego.

Furthermore, Kris’s managerial skills enabled her to effectively oversee large budgets ($70 million), 400+ staff, and contractual requirements, while prioritizing mentorship and capacity-building within her team and partner organizations. Her establishment of the SPA Steering Committee and collaboration with neighboring SPAs exemplify her commitment to fostering collaboration and collective goal-setting across sectors.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kris’s personal experience and empathetic approach underscore her dedication to improving the lives of those in crisis. Her emphasis on trust, transparency, equity, and inclusion in coalition-building efforts highlights her commitment to creating a more supportive and inclusive system. Kris has her BA in Sociology from Cal State University, Los Angeles and an MPA from Cal State University, Northridge.