For more than a century, The Road Home has been a cornerstone of compassion and innovation in Utah’s efforts to end homelessness. Operating over 80% of Salt Lake County’s emergency shelters, the organization serves 5,000–7,000 Utahns each year, helping individuals and families find not just shelter, but stability and hope.
Led by CEO Michelle Flynn, who has dedicated nearly 30 years to homeless services, The Road Home continually adapts to meet evolving needs. From pioneering supportive housing for chronically homeless families to opening the new Family Interim Non-Congregant Housing Program, their innovation and leadership set the standard statewide.
Staff and volunteers alike describe The Road Home’s “quiet strength,” compassion, and unwavering belief that every person deserves a home. Through collaboration, research, and heart, they have transformed countless lives and inspired the community to do the same.
“The Road Home truly deserves to be recognized for the incredible force they are in our community.”
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For more than 30 years, Candace Gregory has led with integrity, vision, and heart—transforming Open Door Mission from a small men’s and women’s shelter into one of the most comprehensive and impactful homeless service organizations in the nation. Under her leadership, the Mission now provides 917 shelter beds, serves over 2 million meals annually, operates an accredited health clinic, a learning center, permanent supportive housing, and more than 60 life-changing programs.
Candace’s leadership blends business excellence with deep compassion. Her ability to build teams, steward resources wisely, and innovate in times of change has earned her local, state, and national recognition—including an invitation to the State of the Union for her expertise on homelessness.
A servant leader in every sense, Candace empowers others, inspires solutions, and leads with humility and strength. Her tireless work continues to restore dignity, transform lives, and model what visionary leadership can achieve.
“Candace hasn’t done this for recognition—she’s done it because all people matter.”
Kris Freed is a visionary leader and relentless advocate whose work is transforming the landscape of homeless services. With more than a decade of experience, she has become a trusted national expert in innovative housing solutions—pioneering approaches such as Family Rapid Rehousing, Shared Housing, and Master Leasing that are redefining what’s possible for communities in need.
As a consultant, Kris combines lived experience, bold strategy, and a “get-it-done” mentality to turn ideas into measurable impact. Her recent work developing an innovation pilot has already created lasting change—centralizing property provider partnerships and expanding access to affordable housing.
Those who know her describe her as relentless, visionary, and deeply authentic. She leads by example, breaks down barriers for others, and never shies away from the hard conversations required to move progress forward.
“She sets the highest bar for herself, breaks down barriers for others, and fearlessly drives to transform this work.”