Linda Lampe, CEO & Founder
I chose this career path because
I retired from Banking and Real Estate and saw that there was a great need to help the homeless. I was appalled at the lack of services for the indigent and started going out to them with mobile services doing outreach for the homeless, disenfranchised, young mothers and pregnant girls, and the elderly, handing out supplies and getting them to day centers so they could have a good meal and shower.
I started 3 years ago and today we have helped well over 400 people. Of that 400, we have helped to get 112 people off the street permanently!
I prepared for this career by
Being on several Boards and working with several communities has prepared me for this position because through them I have had great mentors.
For this endeavor, I consulted with the county requesting that they start something to help people. One day I was looking at a property, an old hospital, and the landowner was there. He re-purposed the basement and I had a permanent location "To Change the Force of Homelessness in San Benito County".
The biggest challenge I've overcome
My biggest challenge is credibility, mainly because so many men do not recognize that women can do what they do! On the Christian side I am an Ordained Minister through the The Evangelical United Ministry and on the Community side I am CEO of Hollister Community Outreach and I have earned my credibility by being on the streets and walking in their shoes. I have advocated in court for prisoners and done jail ministry for women.
My greatest strength(s)
My strengths are my passion, vision, purpose and diligence. I don't give up - I believe!
My greatest accomplishment to date
My greatest accomplishment is the victory of seeing a transformation in folks walking in the victory of who they truly are.
My personal/professional goals
I would like to own my own building and help everyone out there have a place to call "home" and take that model into each community.
What/Who has inspired me the most
Love has inspired me.
I most want to be known/remembered for
I want to be remembered for the unconditional love I give out.
I participate in the following organizations/memberships
- The League of United Latin American Citizens
- American Professional Mortgage Women
I have received the following Honors/Awards/Scholarships
- KSBW Jefferson Award, 2006
- City of Hollister and Supervisors of San Benito County Commendation
I support the missions of these charities/volunteer my time
- Point Man Ministries
- Hollister Community Outreach
- True Life Christian
I enjoy the following hobbies/interests
I like going to the beach, out to dinner, to theater and to art museums. I also love getting my nails done.