Our Staff

Our staff is committed to serving guests of MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary with respect.
Currently we have 20 part-time staff. We hire people with lived experience, Many of our staff are former guests of MBHS who have faced the hardships of living in poverty and being housing and food insecure.

Adekola Adedapo, Performing Arts Coordinator

Adekola has been a friend of MBHS since the beginning, expanding our musical and cultural perspective. In November 2022 she began her position as Performing Arts Coordinator. One of her roles is scheduling performances for our outdoor pavilion.

Adekola began performing at the age of four and has done it all: ballet, musical theatre, writing and producing children's shows, mentoring, teaching, and performing to thousands at a time. She served as the Multicultural Program Coordinator at Alverno College. Her long and diverse work history also includes community building and literary services in Milwaukee.

Adekola's contributions no doubt help reverse the despair trauma, violence, fear, and depression that many of our guests live with. She enhances how we are building community and hope in the heart of the 53206 zip code.

Princess Safiya Byers, Social Media/Communications Specialis

In February 2024 MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary was pleased to announce the hiring of Princess Safiya Byers as our new Social Media/Communications Specialist.

Princess Safiya is a graduate of Marquette University. Since 2020 she has been a reporter for the Neighborhood News Service. She is also a professional photographer.

Ron Smith, her supervisor at Milwaukee Neighborhood News
Service, says this of Princess: "She is a queen among old souls!
She is kind, persistent, and an independent thinker who cares about the community. I consider her the "Mother of Marquette." Everyone knows her and trusts her to LISTEN!"

Princess Safiya Byers says "I've long admired the work done and the community created at the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary. I am excited to join at this time and help amplify the work that this dynamic organization does everyday."

MBHS looks forward to Princess Safiya's gifted presence.

Katie Doss, Lead Program Coordinator

Katie is a dedicated long-time volunteer who began her staff position of Lead Program Coordinator on March 1st. She provides awareness, education and prevention activities. This is work that comes directly from the heart; Katie’s granddaughter was hospitalized at age four for having high levels of lead in her blood and still suffers the effects.

Katie has a successful employment background in the business sector. Because of her genuine concern regarding lead contamination she has developed excellent advocacy skills and is a very good spokesperson.

Katie said she feels good to be a part of the mission of the Homeless Sanctuary, in part because she can relate to our guests. “As a single mother, I’ve seen what it’s like to struggle and to make ends meet the best ways you can,” she said

Karen Dubis, Executive Associate

Karen Dubis’ experience as a lieutenant with the Milwaukee Police Department (retired 2015) made her acutely aware of homelessness in Milwaukee, which led her to volunteer with MBHS.

In 2018 Karen became Vice President on the MBHS Board of Directors. “When I come to the sanctuary, I always feel welcome,” she said. She added that the sanctuary forms a community of people who are better together, and have a deep respect for one another and the mission. Sister MacCanon said that Karen has “Wisdom derived from living a compassion-driven life.”

Dorothy James, Resource Coordinator / Asst Personnel Manager

Dorothy is a respected community leader and cofounder of MBHS. In January 2023 she joined our staff as Resource Coordinator and Assistant Personnel Manager.

Dorothy says that it is her heart’s desire to fully support the vision and work of MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary..

Dorothy’s track record of effective community work
includes Big Brothers Big Sisters and HeartLove Place. Even though she has never left MBHS, We welcome Dorothy in her new role

Carol Knox

Carol says that her involvement at the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary gives her the opportunity to “be the light in dark places." She is a pastor at her church and believes that she has a “shepherd’s heart,” finding it critical to help those in need.

Carol has been volunteering at the Doorway Ministry since 2019, and she recently become a part-time staff member. She enjoys getting to know the guests. “I make a point to learn their names. If you do not have anything else, you still have your name,” Carol says. She added that people who bring dedication and commitment to a cause like helping the homeless "could be the change needed in struggling communities."

Mike Kowski, Purchasing Agent

Mike met Sister MacCanon approximately 10 years ago and was immediately moved by what he described as her “zest for life.” A few years later he saw a newspaper article about the opening of the MBHS, recognized Sister MacCanon, and knew that he wanted to be part of this work.

Mike makes things happen. He has secured big discounts on food for our Doorway Ministry, box fans, and space heaters to distribute to our guests, and he was instrumental in getting the donations of our sheltering tent and the team that installed it.

Mike is Milwaukee born and bred. Along with his dedication to serving the people in the 53206 area code, Mike brings rich business experience to this position. He was involved in the trucking industry for 35 years, and he studied business at Marquette University.

Sarah Lipo, Interim Administrative Assistant

Sarah graduated from Marquette University in May 2021 with a degree in Journalism, Social Welfare, and Justice, and a minor in Political Science. She has been involved with the sanctuary since 2018, and loves the family it provides to those who find it. She hopes MBHS can continue to offer a beacon of light for those experiencing homelessness or those trying to get back on their feet in Milwaukee.

Cory Moore, Food Manager

Corey Moore still lives on the Northside of Milwaukee where he grew up. Two years ago he connected with MBHS. He became a volunteer, and because of his work ethic is now a part-time staff member for the Doorway Ministry,

Corey knows that many young men in the 53206 neighborhood need role models, and he works hard to be one. He takes his leadership role seriously and says a big part of that is being honest and dependable in the work he does every day. He wants every guest to know that it is okay to “come as they are" with any struggles and challenges they have. They will find support, just as he did. Corey's goal is to make sure every guest feels accepted and respected.

Cynthia Stokes-Murray, Event Coordinator

We are very pleased and honored to announce the hiring of Cynthia Stokes-Murray as Event Coordinator of the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary.She brings a strong track record of effective leadership. Faith is a central value to Cynthia.

When asked "What gives you joy about being hired?" Cynthia answered "My love of serving the community."

Some of the volunteer roles in which she has served include President of the Greater Milwaukee Urban League Guild (to present); past National Treasurer of the National Council of Urban League Guilds; past Central Regional Director of the National Council of Urban League Guilds; 18th National President and Trustee of the National Council of Urban League Guilds; Board Chair for the YMCA Metropolitan of Milwaukee of Parklawn and Northside branches (to present); past corresponding secretary of Community Brainstorming; past board member of the Girl Scouts of Milwaukee Area, Boys and Girls Club, Blood Center of Wisconsin and Junior Achievement of Milwaukee.

Awards she has received include the “Women of Power Award” from the National Urban League; The Excellence Award for Volunteerism; and the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Wisconsin/UP Michigan State of YMCA’s.

Susan Neidorfler, Data Base, Coordinator

Susan Neidorfler is the Part-Time Database Specialist for MBHS. She has been with the Sanctuary since the end of 2015 after 20 years of office experience in a Milwaukee manufacturing company. Susan does all of the record keeping, including financial and in-kind donations and acknowledging donor gifts.

Working with MBHS, I am aware of all the wonderful, generous people who work at making the world a more equitable place," Susan said. "I know if each person can do their best at the job they are given, no matter what it is, pride and success will follow."

Annie Rogers, Lead Testing Clinic Site Coordinator

MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary welcomed Annie Rogers as our new PT Lead Testing Clinic Site Coordinator. A retiree of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Annie has a very strong background in compassionate work in medical environments. She is also a spiritual leader at Faith Temple, our partnering faith community neighbor across Center St.

During our lead testing, Annie will have the general oversight of the Welcome Center operations. Saturdays Children’s Hospital medical professionals, MBHS nurses, and Lead Program Coordinator Katie Doss deliver the Lead Testing Clinic for families with children under 10. For Annie, this aligns perfectly with her commitment to serve those in need.

“It gives you a sense of purpose to help people who need help,” she said. “You feel for them. To put your hand in and assist them is a great reward.”

“For people to get enough food to last them week to week, and to be able to take a shower and get clean clothes makes a difference,” she said. “When people see that someone cares, they start to care more for themselves.”