Hosted by the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness
3rd Annual Homelessness No More: Be A Light Gala
Shining a Light on Solutions
Meet Our Distinguished Speakers
Representative Vernetta Alston
Keynote Speaker
Representative Vernetta Alston has served District 29 in the North Carolina House of Representatives since 2020. A Durham native, she earned her B.A. in Political Science from North Carolina State University and her J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. She is also a civil rights attorney at Tin Fulton Walker & Owen.
In the House, Representative Alston has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, well-funded schools, safer communities, and a thriving economy. She has emerged as a leader on housing policy in the state legislature and serves on Governor Stein’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, advancing opportunities for working families across the state.
Now a member of Democratic leadership in the North Carolina House, Representative Alston is committed to expanding Democratic power and ensuring the Legislature makes investments that improve the lives of all North Carolinians.
Jeffrey Rawlings
Guest Speaker
After facing homelessness twice, including once after dedicating himself to community work, Jefferey became a fierce advocate for housing stability. Leaving behind a 20-year career in IT support, he channeled his personal experiences into a career with deeper impact. He began by volunteering at a local church and later secured a role as a case manager in central North Carolina, assisting individuals with food distribution and crisis intervention. He rose through leadership ranks, holding positions such as Rapid Rehousing Supervisor and Housing Program Manager. He is now the Senior Analyst for Homeless Services/CE Administrator for the City of Durham, where he champions solutions for housing insecurity. Thirteen years after surviving homelessness, he has become a homeowner. His journey is a testament to his commitment to fostering meaningful change for vulnerable populations.
Event Information
Date
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time
Cocktails & Connections
6:30pm – 7:00pm
Gala Program
7:00pm – 11:00pm
Location
Auction Spotlight
Bid big, do good. Our live & silent auction features local experiences, weekend getaways, dining packages, wellness bundles, art, sports tickets, and more generously donated by community partners. Browse during the 6:30–7:00 PM during our cocktails and connection reception and keep bidding throughout the evening. Every dollar fuels NCCEH’s work to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.