NELI VAZQUEZ ROWLAND
Chicago-born Neli Vazquez Rowland is a passionate advocate for the homeless. In 1994, Neli and her husband Brian launched A Safe Haven (ASH) to address the root causes of the growing opioid and homeless epidemics. ASH is lauded as one of the most successful, vertically-integrated delivery systems and continuum of care models providing transitional housing and individualized social services. ASH has helped 130,000 people transform their lives to independence and self-sufficiency. She is a sought-after speaker, a co-author of landmark state legislation, and creator of Chicago’s first medical COVID-19 respite center serving vulnerable populations. She is the author of HEALING, an anthology of success stories told by A Safe Haven alumni.