Louis Chicoine has more than 20 years of experience finding solutions to homelessness. Louis brings a vast knowledge of local and regional housing policy, and the issues surrounding homelessness to our board.
Louis began his tenure at Abode Services as a program director in 1992 and became executive director two years later. Under his guidance and leadership, Abode Services has grown from a local “start-up” with one shelter serving 66 adults and children into a regional organization that provides housing services to more than 4,400 adults and children each year in Alameda, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties. Those services include programs for emancipated foster youth, and episodic and chronically homeless individuals and families.
In addition to his leadership of Abode Services, Louis’ expertise in housing and homeless solutions is widely recognized in the community. He serves as President of the Alameda County Council of Mental Health Agencies Board of Directors, is a senior fellow at the American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley, and is often sought for expert consultation and speaking engagements at groups seeking to learn more about supportive housing. Louis holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Holy Names University in Oakland and Master’s degrees in social work administration and pastoral ministry.