House The Homeless, Inc. P.O. Box 2312 Austin, Tx 78768-2312 (512) 796-4366 info@housethehomeless.org         Richard Troxell, President/Co-Founder   Mr. Troxell, a Vietnam Veteran, has been a strong homeless advocate since the 1980's. He has worked for Legal Services Corporation since 1978 as a Paralegal involved in neighborhood housing and services for the poor. He is currently the Director of Legal Aid for the homeless and is Co-Chairman of the Community Action Networks' Mayors' Homeless Task Force. Mr. Troxell sits on the Board of the National Coalition for the Homeless. Presently, his work in this capacity includes protecting the civil rights of the homeless by drafting a resolution which would enable them to become a Protected Class. In addition to the above, Mr. Troxell is advocating on local and national levels for a Universal Living Wage. Mr. Troxell has received Recognition from the United Nations in 1998 for Philadelphia House Stabilization Program that was later published by HUD in book form. He has received the Pennsylvania State Citizenship Award and Honors from La Salle University. He was the singular recipient of the Philadelphia Bar Association Citizenship Award. In 1995, Mr. Troxell received the local "Five Who Care Award" and the National Jefferson Community Service Award. In 1997, Mr. Troxell received the Beverly "MA" Curtis Award from the National Coalition for the Homeless and the J.C. Penny Golden Rule Award. Most recently, Mr. Troxell received the City Search, Chamber of Commerce, United Way Community Legacy Award for the creation of Project Fresh Start; a collaborative effort of over twenty-three different Social Service Agencies in Austin. Jo Anne Koepke, Treasurer Jo Anne Koephe is a former homeless woman with severe multiple disabilities. She joined House The Homeless in 1992 after Diane Breaqch Mulloy died. She then helped plan and participate in the first Memorial Service House the Homeless has had for those persons who have died on the streets of Austin as a result of being homeless. During the following years, Ms. Koephe has spoken regularly at the Austin City Council as an advocate for the homeless. In 1993, she baked 480 Christmas cookies for homeless children. In 1994, she composed, recorded and produced a cassette tape of her one-handed piano compositions for House The Homeless. In 1995, Ms. Koephe began to realize that homelessness is an international problem. She then began sponsoring Babirye Joweria through the Christian Children's Fund. Barbirye is now going to be 17 years old, wants to be a doctor and is an accomplished artist. This past November Barbirye wrote the keynote speech for the Memorial Service. Ms. Koephe continues to be very active in helping homeless persons even though it is hard for her to get out.