The Seneca County Council on Homelessness
Who We Are
The Seneca County Council on Homelessness (SCCoH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing homelessness in Seneca County. We are led by a Board of Directors and supported by a network of community leaders, service providers, and advocates.
Our work focuses on creating a coordinated and compassionate response to homelessness, bringing together key sectors of our community, including faith-based groups, local government, businesses, healthcare, and social services, to build an effective support system for those in need.
Our Mission
To coordinate resources, advocate for sustainable solutions, and provide direct support to individuals experiencing homelessness in Seneca County.
The Homelessness Crisis in Seneca County
For many, homelessness is defined by the stereotypes fostered by popular culture and the media. It tends to only portray homelessness as the most extreme cases often found in big cities. The homeless issue in Seneca County is not as visible or evident. As a result, it frequently goes unnoticed by the general populace.
Families or individuals facing homelessness in Seneca County are frequently staying with relatives, friends, or in their cars. They are there because one or more issues have caused them to lose their home. These issues can vary greatly and can include situations like; loss of work due to injury, death of a loved one, mental health issues, and substance abuse issues. Staying with relatives, friends, or acquaintances; however, is merely a short-term fix and not a permanent solution.
In looking for a solution many of these families or individuals seek assistance from various agencies such as the United Way’s First Call for Help program, the Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul, the Seneca County Department of Job and Family Services, or one of the many charitable Foundations in Seneca County. These families and individuals frequently are in search of assistance with rent or mortgage payments, utility assistance, and in many cases, basic needs like food and shelter. Unfortunately, the assistance that these programs, agencies, and foundations can provide is limited and tends to only delay homelessness, not prevent it.
Meet our Board Members
Ronee Rice, Ph.D. is the President of the Seneca County Council on Homelessness (SCCoH), where she leads efforts to address homelessness in the community. In addition to her role at SCCoH, Dr. Rice serves as an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Social Sciences Department at Tiffin University. Her academic and professional work focuses on trauma-informed care, mental health advocacy, and community-based research.
Tiffin University.
Dr. Rice holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Heidelberg University, where she graduated magna cum laude with an Honors Program Diploma. She later earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Toledo. Her commitment to community service is evident through her involvement in various initiatives, including serving on the board of the Tiffin Seneca Child Care Center and coordinating projects aimed at suicide prevention and awareness. Dr. Rice’s dedication to fostering positive change extends beyond the classroom, as she actively engages in efforts to support and empower individuals facing homelessness in Seneca County.
McKinley Armstrong serves as the Vice President of the Seneca County Council on Homelessness (SCCoH), where he plays a pivotal role in guiding the organization’s mission to address homelessness in the community. In addition to his leadership at SCCoH, Armstrong is the co-founder of Beggar’s Executive Club, a Tiffin-based clothing brand established in 2022 that emphasizes community engagement and creative expression.
Armstrong’s commitment to public service is further demonstrated through his involvement with Seneca County Probation Services, where he contributes to supporting individuals navigating the justice system . His active participation in local initiatives, including the Tiffin Rotary Club, underscores his dedication to community development and outreach. A lifelong resident of Tiffin, Ohio, Armstrong continues to leverage his diverse experiences to foster positive change and support for those in need within Seneca County.
Jamie Brubaker serves as the Secretary of the Seneca County Council on Homelessness (SCCoH), contributing her extensive experience in social work and nonprofit leadership to the organization’s mission of addressing homelessness in the community. In her professional capacity, Brubaker is affiliated with the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP), where she has been involved in initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.
Brubaker’s dedication to community service is evident through her past roles, including serving as the Area Director for United Way in Wood County, Ohio. In this position, she managed a portfolio of 83 companies, overseeing campaigns that collectively raised $1.3 million to support health and human service resources . Her leadership was also instrumental in co-chairing the 2017 Project Connect event in Wood County, which provided essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Pat DeMonte serves as the Treasurer of the Seneca County Council on Homelessness (SCCoH), bringing decades of leadership in nonprofit management and community service to the organization. Her extensive background in public service includes her tenure as the Executive Director of the Tiffin-Seneca United Way from 2000 until her retirement in 2020. In this role, she spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of residents in Seneca County.
Prior to her work with United Way, DeMonte led the Seneca County Agency Transportation (SCAT), demonstrating her commitment to addressing transportation needs within the community. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
DeMonte continues to be an active voice in local media and community events. Her enduring dedication to community service and her wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership make her an invaluable asset to SCCoH and the broader Seneca County community.
Rev. Clayton J. Bailey is a dedicated faith leader and community advocate serving on the Board of Directors for the Seneca County Council on Homelessness (SCCoH). With over two decades of pastoral experience, Rev. Bailey has been instrumental in addressing homelessness in Seneca County through both spiritual guidance and active community involvement. Rev. Bailey was ordained in 2002 and has since served various congregations, including his tenure at First Lutheran Church in Tiffin, Ohio. As of October 2024, he was installed as the Senior Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Fremont, Ohio.
His commitment to social justice is evident in his leadership roles within SCCoH. Rev. Bailey has been a driving force behind initiatives like the Transformation Life Center, Tiffin’s emergency homeless shelter, and has actively participated in fundraising efforts to support the organization’s mission .
Beyond his pastoral duties, Rev. Bailey engages with the community through various events and partnerships, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing social issues. His holistic approach to ministry and community service continues to inspire and effect positive change within Seneca County and beyond.
Olivia Cleveland is a dedicated advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and a committed member of the Seneca County Council on Homelessness (SCCoH) Board of Directors. With over a decade of experience in the mental health, addiction, and developmental disabilities fields, she currently serves as an Investigative Agent for the Seneca County Opportunity Center. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the health, safety, and welfare of individuals with disabilities, ensuring that any incidents are promptly reported and addressed.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Cleveland is deeply involved in community service. She serves on multiple local nonprofit boards, contributing her expertise and passion to various causes. Her commitment to social justice and community well-being is evident in her active participation in initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations in Seneca County.
Cleveland’s work reflects a holistic approach to community care, combining professional expertise with a genuine dedication to improving the lives of those she serves.
Sandy Hallett-Berkey is a dedicated community leader and advocate serving on the Board of Directors for the Seneca County Council on Homelessness (SCCoH). With a deep commitment to improving the lives of families and children in Seneca County, she currently serves as the Executive Director of the Seneca County Family and Children First Council. In this capacity, she collaborates with various community agencies to enhance family-centered services and support systems for children and families in need.
In addition to her role with the Family and Children First Council, Sandy is actively involved in local initiatives addressing homelessness and community well-being. Her multifaceted approach to community service underscores her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all residents of Seneca County.
Tonya Hinke is a dedicated member of the Seneca County Council on Homelessness (SCCoH) Board of Directors, where she contributes her extensive experience in education and student support services to the organization’s mission of addressing homelessness in the community.
In her professional role, Hinke serves as the District School Case Worker for Fostoria City Schools, focusing on enhancing students’ academic and social development. She also holds the position of District Homeless/Family Liaison for grades 7–12, where she plays a crucial role in connecting and partnering with community agencies to provide resources and support to families in need. Her responsibilities include maintaining updated resource lists and ensuring that students experiencing homelessness have access to the necessary services to succeed academically.
Hinke’s commitment to community service extends beyond her professional duties. She is actively involved in local initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations and improving the well-being of residents in Seneca County. Her multifaceted approach to community care underscores her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all individuals.
Accordion Content
Accordion Content
Rev. Amy Vittorio is a dedicated faith leader and community advocate serving on the Board of Directors for the Seneca County Council on Homelessness (SCCoH). With a deep commitment to addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations in Seneca County, she brings a compassionate and service-oriented perspective to the organization’s mission.
Rev. Vittorio is an Elder in Full Connection with the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. She has served various congregations, including Republic Trinity UMC, Melmore UMC, and Sycamore UMC. As of July 2025, she will begin a new appointment at New Concord United Methodist Church. Her pastoral journey reflects a steadfast dedication to community service and spiritual guidance.
Beyond her pastoral duties, Rev. Vittorio actively participates in local initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of residents in Seneca County. Her involvement with SCCoH underscores her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all individuals.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals who have previously served on the Seneca County Council on Homelessness Board of Directors. Their dedication, leadership, and compassion helped lay the foundation for the work we continue today. We thank them for their service to our mission and community.
Past board members include: Tim Galvin, Sharon George, Larry Baker, Tabitha Metz, Jillian Shaferly, Mindy Strup-Kummerer,