Extracted text (via pymupdf)
1318 characters
Marlena Piña is a passionate advocate for individuals and families navigating crisis, homelessness, and behavioral health challenges. With over 20 years of experience in human services, she has dedicated her career to creating pathways toward stability, healing, and hope for those who need it most. In her current role with the City of Avondale, Marlena leads community coordination on homelessness — work that often involves addressing the deep-rooted impacts of substance use and mental health. Her approach is grounded in compassion, dignity, and a firm belief that everyone deserves access to the support and resources necessary for recovery and long-term wellness. Her previous leadership roles at UMOM and The Salvation Army centered on crisis shelter operations and family stabilization programs, where she worked closely with addiction recovery providers, behavioral health teams, and community partners to ensure holistic, client-centered care. Marlena has served on regional boards focused on emergency food, shelter, and human services development, helping shape policies that prioritize prevention, equity, and recovery. She brings not only expertise, but also heart — a deep-rooted commitment to creating safer, healthier communities through collaborative and compassionate service.