Huntsville homeless advocate and pioneer Geist leaving First Stop

HUNTSVILLE – Jennifer Geist, who has helped lead First Stop through its greatest period of growth, is stepping down as executive director.

Geist has been a passionate advocate for people experiencing homelessness since her tenure began in May 2021. During that time, First Stop has seen exceptional growth and progress. Her last day at the agency is June 3. She is pursuing “a new opportunity,” the organization said.

“It has been my honor and pleasure to serve as the Executive Director of First Stop over the last three years,” Geist said in a statement. “I am proud of the success we have achieved in terms of our new facility, professional staff, comprehensive programs, and the significant impact on the homeless community of Huntsville.

“I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this incredible organization.”

During her three-year service, Geist has overseen significant expansions in staff, services, and outreach efforts, positioning First Stop as a leading force in addressing homelessness in Huntsville.

Under her leadership, the organization has seen a substantial increase in the number of individuals served daily, from 80-90 to over 200, demonstrating a commitment to meeting the community’s growing needs.

Geist’s contributions include the successful management of operations during the construction of the new First Stop Day Center, the development of a comprehensive Enrichment Program to equip clients with essential life and work skills, and the realization of a long-envisioned “One Stop” program offering a wide range of services to homeless individuals.

“When Fr. Paul Pradat and I interviewed Jennifer to become First Stop’s executive director, we knew immediately we had found the right person,” Board of Directors President Tim Davis said. “She was caring, motivated, very professional, and exceptionally capable. Jennifer exceeded our expectations and led First Stop to become a highly respected, capable, and dependable community partner.”

Davis and the Board credit Geist with helping First Stop identify its place and purpose in Madison County, navigating a fine line between complementing – not competing with – other agencies and their services.

Davis also said, thanks to Geist, First Stop now has essential alliances with other agencies that enable it to reach deeper into the local homeless community, tackling a broader range of issues and situations that previously held people hostage to homelessness.

As Geist departs, the First Stop Board of Directors has initiated a search committee to identify candidates for the executive director position. Interested individuals can find the job description at www.firststop.org.

First Stop was formed in 2001 through a collaborative effort between the city of Huntsville and the Interfaith Mission Service with the mission to serve and assist the homeless population. In 2008, First Stop was incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.