For Matthew Fowler, taking over at the House of Hope in Danville is personal.

He was homeless at a young age before being adopted.

After being in workforce development for 30 years, he views the executive director role as a way to give back.

On the job since February, he’s on a mission to link community groups with the city’s homeless shelter.

He calls it an outreach blitz.

Since his arrival, he’s talked to anyone he can — including civic and community organizations — to bring awareness about the growing homeless situation in Danville, blamed on the escalating cost of rent and mental health struggles.

“My vision here for the House of Hope, with the experience I bring, is to unify the community around the House of Hope,” Fowler told the Register & Bee in a recent interview at the shel

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