Terri Francis Elected to Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg Board of Directors
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg’s Board of Directors welcomes its newest member, Terri Francis.
Francis brings nearly two decades of experience to the volunteer board from a career dedicated to empowering communities in Virginia through education, housing advocacy, financial literacy, counseling services and business/program development assistance. As the Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator for the City of Newport News Planning Department, she is an advocate, resource and liaison for residents looking to develop or advance their leadership skills and become actively involved in their community.
Personal experience motivated Francis to give back. The Newport News native grew up understanding what it means to be homeless and what it’s like to have a shelter be your address.
“You think the situation you’re in and the circumstances you have are all there is,” Francis says. “Things start to fall into place when you change your mindset and begin creating connections in your community.”
Francis grew up wanting to be president and hasn’t ruled that out. She was a straight A student at Menchville High School who earned an associate degree in social science from Virginia Peninsula Community College, where she was twice a Merit List Honoree. She later pursued a bachelor’s in sociology with a concentration in social diversity and inequality from Saint Leo University.
In addition to serving Habitat’s Board, Francis is Chair of the nonprofit’s Family Selection Committee that determines which applicants will be approved for the affiliate’s first-time Homebuyer Program.
“It’s rewarding to know I could have a hand in helping others get affordable housing, something that’s their own, something that’s their legacy,” she says.
Francis spent 15 years at Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) as its Director of Housing & Financial Literacy Services. She holds multiple certifications, such as HUD Certified Housing Counselor and Certified Rental Housing Specialist. Terri received the 2023 Newport News Human Right Commission Making a Difference Award. After working with more than 100 families seeking to own their own home, Francis recently bought a house of her own for the first time. She is a first-generation homeowner who shares what she calls “the house of her dreams” with her longtime sweetheart and five children.
