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Farewell Letter from our Vice President of Program Operations

Fryda Ochoa • May 13, 2024

Ana Rausch to transition out this summer.

Ana first joined CFTH in December 2013. As vice president, Ana has overseen the work of the organization’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the Program Operations team. She has also led the development and implementation of nationally recognized programs and strategies that have resulted in a more than 60% reduction in homelessness in the Houston region over the last 10 years. In her 20+ years-long career, Ana has been extremely passionate about finding a solution to homelessness.


Ana wrote the following letter to share the news about her departure from CFTH: 


“Recently, I had the opportunity to watch the new documentary ‘Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness’ by A Bigger Vision Films, which highlighted the amazing work done by the cities of Houston and Milwaukee to address homelessness. I was moved to tears watching the amazing work done by our system. It made writing these words even more difficult. After a lot of soul searching, I will be leaving CFTH later this summer. I will be joining my friends Heather Muller and Mandy Chapman Semple at Clutch Consulting Group. I’ve been doing a lot of consulting already over the last couple of years and find that it’s something I’ve enjoyed. 

“I will stay on full-time through June 30, 2024. After that, I will stay on part-time through August 31, 2024, to complete the transition. The Programs Department will be split into two distinct departments. Two interim senior directors will be promoted to head up the two departments: James Gonzalez (currently our director of program operations) and Renee Cavazos (currently our director of the Continuum of Care). They will be shadowing me closely over the next few months.


“CFTH is in a great place, and I’ve had the honor to help develop an amazing group of individuals over the years. I leave everything in very capable hands.


“I’ve been working in our system for over 24 years. Many of us have grown up together in this world and I’ve seen so many of you expand your horizons and move up into leadership roles. I still work with the same funders now that I did when I first started. I have fond memories of walking the bayous searching for clients, interviewing panhandlers in 100-degree heat, testing coordinated access at The Beacon, living at the George R Brown Convention Center after Harvey, Navigation Events, closing encampments, and lots and lots of laughter. Words cannot express my gratitude for the friendships I’ve made over these years. You are all amazing. So many times, I had crazy ideas and you all jumped into the deep end with me.


“You met every challenge thrown at you. The result is decreasing homelessness by over 60% and housing over 32,000 people!



“I look forward to seeing Houston’s continued success and watching the next iteration of superstars. I will always be around to lend a hand if needed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. I’ll still be in Houston so keep inviting me to lunches, dinners, & happy hours.”

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By Fryda Ochoa • January 28, 2025
These findings will provide insight into how factors such the end of federal pandemic relief funding have impacted homelessness in our region.

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By Fryda Ochoa • January 27, 2025
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Recognizing a Decade of Service and Impact

By Fryda Ochoa • January 17, 2025
After over a decade of dedicated service on CFTH’s board of directors, Doug Foshee – Chairman and CEO of Sallyport Investments – has stepped down, leaving a remarkable legacy of dedication and compassion.
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