Deronda worked for The Salvation Army for more than 30 years providing leadership for the agency’s homeless and housing efforts. She has a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinician (LCSW) as well as a licensed addiction specialist. While serving in her job capacity as Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army, she expanded her focus to include a systems approach to creating solutions addressing issues of homelessness and housing in The Charlotte Community. She has been a participant in Mecklenburg County’s Continuum of Care for over 25 years. Currently she is working with the Safe Alliance team on implementing housing solutions for survivors of domestic violence. She is a constant voice for those who are homeless across the Country and has been involved in several advocacy efforts that have resulted in affordable housing solutions. Deronda has received recognition on a national and local level for implementing and creating best practice housing solutions. Her belief is “if we are not talking about housing with those who are homeless, we are having the wrong conversation.” (Deronda Metz, 2014) As an active member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and community volunteer Deronda is a dedicated servant.