ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS
STEVE CHRISTIAN, founding board member of New Leaf Community Services
Steve Christian, a member and ordained Elder at First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth since 1978, has served in many leadership roles over the years. His long commitment to compassion, justice, and community partnership has shaped his ministry and his work beyond the church walls.
As a founding board member of New Leaf Community Services, he has helped guide the development of two 48-unit permanent supportive housing communities for chronically homeless and disabled adults in Fort Worth. Through stable housing, full-time case management, and wraparound care, these communities offer unhoused neighbors not just shelter, but the opportunity to heal, rebuild, and thrive. These projects are now owned and operated by Presbyterian Night Shelter, continuing the mission of providing dignity and long-term support to those most in need.
STEVE CRANE, Volunteer and community organizer
Steve Crane is an Elder at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Longview, Texas. He and his wife, Kathy, have been members for over forty years. Steve has received local recognition for his volunteer work and for building bridges between marginalized communities. He is a community organizer. In his professional life, Steve worked closely with the disabled and unhoused communities to link them to public benefits. He has volunteered with One Love Longview for five years.
ROBIN CRADDOCK, Case Manager for The Stewpot's Permanent Supportive Housing Program
Robin Craddock is a dedicated professional serving as a Case Manager for The Stewpot’s Permanent Supportive Housing Program, where she supports a caseload of 25 formerly unhoused individuals. She brings a strong commitment to impact-driven work and specializes in community partnerships, neighbor engagement, advocacy, and programs that promote awareness, inclusion, and positive social change.
Robin began her career serving the homeless community in 2017 at Austin Street Center, where she worked as an Intake Specialist before joining Metrocare’s Housing Department in 2019. In 2021, she joined The Stewpot’s newly created Rapid Rehousing Team.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Robin brings a thoughtful, results-oriented approach to housing and advocacy. She combines clear communication with a deep understanding of community needs, helping build strong relationships that support lasting outcomes.
Passionate about making a difference, Robin is guided by the belief that strong relationships and informed advocacy can create meaningful, sustainable change.
ELI CORTEZ, Organizer at VOCAL-TX
Eli Cortez, organizer at VOCAL-TX, grew up in Austin, Texas, where he attended the University of Texas and received his MSSW. He fights for the implementation of alternatives to incarceration as well as the peoples’ right to housing, care, and community. Eli co-leads leadership development, campaign strategy, and coalition building.
TOBY OWEN, CEO of Presbyterian Night Shelter
Toby Owen has served as CEO of Presbyterian Night Shelter since 2009. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, a master’s degree in community ministry, and is a licensed clinical social worker with more than thirty years of experience in the field.
Under Owen’s leadership, Presbyterian Night Shelter has evolved from an overnight shelter into a comprehensive homelessness response system, with the creation of workforce development and permanent supportive housing initiatives that work alongside shelter services to remove barriers to stability for people experiencing homelessness.
AMANDA VEASY, One Love Longview, You Are the Power
Amanda Veasy is the Founder and Executive Director of One Love Longview and the Texas State Organizer for You Are The Power. Driven by lived experience, she advocates for people experiencing homelessness and systemic injustice through grassroots leadership, community organizing, and practical solutions. Amanda also serves on the National Lived Experience Leadership & Advocacy Board, helping shape conversations around policy and solutions at the national level. She is a visionary committed to building a more compassionate world.