About Esperanza
Learn how we support Veterans and their families.
A Foundation of Hope
Since 1989, Esperanza has been a pillar of support for homeless Veterans in Tucson. Founded by dedicated community members, we have grown into a comprehensive organization providing housing and social services on our 14-acre campus. Our partnerships with the VA, City of Tucson, and others help us continuously meet the needs of those who have served.
Our Leadership
Our mission is guided by a committed Board of Directors, many of whom have personal experience with military and homeless services.
Daniel Welter, President
A real estate professional and advocate for housing solutions.
Whitney Welter, Vice President
Brings financial expertise and a passion for social services.
Charles Vaughan, Treasurer
A retired Navy captain with 37 years of military experience.
Jessica Winchester, Secretary
An expert in creating inclusive workplaces and providing employment opportunities.
Mike St. Ores
A veteran and former staff member whose case management experience provides valuable insight.
The Honorable Victoria Steele
Victoria Steele, Justice of the Peace, was a State Senator, therapist and educator. She has served as an Arizona State Senator for most of the last decade creating laws.Â
Hector Johnson
Hector Johnson is a Veteran who was served by Esperanza as a transitional housing resident. Hector has been living independently for many years and has been a steadfast volunteer for the Veterans served by Esperanza. Hector’s experience ensures that the Board of Directors keeps it focus on the mission.
Leadership Team
Suzanne Bond MBA, CEO
Suzanne Bond joined Esperanza as CEO in March 2023, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience in nonprofits serving homeless and extremely low-income individuals. Her diverse background includes 17 years in various leadership roles at So Others Might Eat (SOME) in Washington, DC, where she most recently served as Chief Administrative Officer, and two years as Executive Director at Catholic Community Services in Tucson, Arizona.
Throughout her career, Suzanne has demonstrated expertise in managing multiple aspects of nonprofit operations, including human resources, development, direct social services, property acquisition, information technology, facilities, and asset management. Her strategic leadership has consistently resulted in improved organizational efficiency, increased funding, and expanded services for those in need.
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At Esperanza, Suzanne is focused on growing service lines to include veteran suicide prevention, support services for veterans' dependents, and continued case management for veterans who have transitioned to long-term housing. Under her guidance, Esperanza maintains an impressive track record, with over 80% of referred veterans successfully moving into permanent housing. Suzanne is passionate about creating opportunities for veterans to thrive. As she often says, "Our veterans deserve to thrive, they are ready, and all they need is a little help from us." Her vision for Esperanza includes increasing housing opportunities and developing innovative programs to support veterans at every stage of their journey.
Suzanne holds an MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management from the University of Baltimore.
​With her wealth of experience and dedication to serving those in need, Suzanne Bond continues to drive positive change and make a lasting impact in the lives of veterans and their families through her leadership at Esperanza.
Our Impact and Transparency
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we are committed to financial transparency. You can access our 990s and annual reports to see how we use our resources. Our status as a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO #20428) allows Arizona residents to receive a tax credit for their donations. We measure our success through key metrics like housing placements and employment rates, showcasing the real-world impact of our work.
Take the Next Step
Whether you're a Veteran seeking support or a community member looking to get involved, we're here to help. Reach out to our compassionate team today to learn more about our housing programs, volunteer opportunities, or how your partnership can make a difference.