Award Given Oct. 21 by Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness
Featured photo: Glenn Wilson, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Communities First, Inc., who received the 2025 Excellence in Homeless Service Award.
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness (MCTEH) has honored Glenn Wilson, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Communities First, Inc., with the 2025 Excellence in Homeless Service Award. The award was presented Oct. 21 during the Michigan Summit on Ending Homelessness, held at the Lansing Center.
The Excellence in Homeless Service Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership, compassion and innovation in their efforts to prevent and end homelessness across Michigan. Wilson was selected for his exceptional dedication to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and his tireless commitment to uplifting communities through equitable housing and economic opportunity.
Under Wilson’s leadership, Communities First, Inc. (CFI) has developed or preserved more than 600 affordable housing units, secured over $100 million in investment, and created more than 2,000 jobs across Flint, Saginaw, Lansing, Detroit and Gary, Indiana. The work of Wilson and his team integrate housing, community engagement and economic development to create holistic, sustainable solutions that serve over 35,000 people annually.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness,” Glenn Wilson said. “This award is really a reflection of the dedicated team at Communities First, Inc. and our many partners who share our belief that everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home. Ending homelessness takes collaboration, compassion, and persistence—and this recognition reinforces the importance of continuing that work together.”
Essence Wilson, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Communities First, Inc., said Glenn’s recognition is a testament to his visionary leadership and deep empathy.
“Glenn’s approach to addressing homelessness goes far beyond buildings—it’s about restoring dignity and creating pathways to stability,” Essence Wilson said. “He brings both strategy and heart to this work, inspiring our team and community partners to keep pushing for equitable housing solutions across Michigan.”
The award presentation was part of the 2025 Michigan Summit on Ending Homelessness, themed “Strength in Unity: Navigating Change Together.” The annual event brings together state and local government agencies, service providers, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to share best practices and advance the mission of ending homelessness in Michigan.
The Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness, launched in 2006, provides statewide coordination and infrastructure for addressing homelessness, helping communities strengthen access to affordable housing and drive self-sufficiency.
About Communities First, Inc.
Communities First, Inc. is a nonprofit community development corporation based in Flint, Michigan, focused on equitable real estate development, economic mobility and community engagement. Since 2010, the organization has invested more than $100 million in community revitalization projects and serves over 35,000 people annually through housing, cultural and environmental initiatives. Learn more at www.communitiesfirstinc.org.
Communities First, Inc. is a nonprofit community development corporation based in Flint, Michigan, focused on equitable real estate development, economic mobility and community engagement. Since 2010, the organization has invested more than $100 million in community revitalization projects and serves over 35,000 people annually through housing, cultural and environmental initiatives. Learn more at www.communitiesfirstinc.org.
About Glenn Wilson
Glenn Wilson is the co-founder, president, and CEO of Communities First, Inc., a nonprofit community development organization headquartered in Flint, Michigan with offices in Detroit and serving Michigan and Indiana. With a career dedicated to advancing economic development, affordable housing, healthcare, policy reform and community engagement, Wilson is recognized as a visionary leader and thought partner across multiple sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Northwood University and a Master of Science in Administration with a focus on leadership from Central Michigan University. In addition to his executive leadership, Wilson has served on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, Michigan Housing Council and the Mass Transportation Authority. His contributions have been honored with numerous awards, including Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Black Leaders and 40 Under 40 distinctions.
Glenn Wilson is the co-founder, president, and CEO of Communities First, Inc., a nonprofit community development organization headquartered in Flint, Michigan with offices in Detroit and serving Michigan and Indiana. With a career dedicated to advancing economic development, affordable housing, healthcare, policy reform and community engagement, Wilson is recognized as a visionary leader and thought partner across multiple sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Northwood University and a Master of Science in Administration with a focus on leadership from Central Michigan University. In addition to his executive leadership, Wilson has served on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, Michigan Housing Council and the Mass Transportation Authority. His contributions have been honored with numerous awards, including Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Black Leaders and 40 Under 40 distinctions.
