Meet Eliza Huber

This story is part of Council of Community Services’ WyoGives Interview Series, sharing conversations with the people who know the Council’s work best.

For Eliza Huber, Shelter Intake Specialist, the work is personal, emotional, and deeply human. Eliza has been with the Council for two years, but before joining the shelter team, she worked as a Registered Nurse.

“I am a Registered Nurse (RN) by trade, but I felt a strong pull to help people in a different way. The world can be cruel and unfair, and far too many people fall through the cracks of our systems. I wanted to be on the frontline of changing that, ensuring people have the direct support they need to get back on their feet.”

Her nursing background still shapes how she shows up for people at the shelter. Crisis can be complicated. Conversations can be difficult. People may arrive scared, overwhelmed, angry, exhausted, or unsure of what to do next.

“My background in nursing gives me a deep understanding of mental illness and equips me with the skills to effectively de-escalate tough situations and handle uncomfortable conversations with empathy and grace. Ultimately, my heart drew me here. I simply love loving people, and I cherish the daily opportunity to interact with so many unique individuals and personalities.”

One part of Eliza’s work involves helping people access benefits that can be difficult to navigate alone. Because she is SOAR certified, she can help individuals who are unable to work apply for Social Security and Disability benefits.

One client still stays with her.

“One experience that stays with me involved a young, developmentally disabled client who came to us while fleeing a terribly abusive situation. It was a freezing winter day, and if he hadn’t found his way to our doors, he likely would have ended up dead on the streets. I was able to help him get approved for Social Security and transition into safe, permanent housing.”

For Eliza, moments like that are exactly why the work matters.

“Sometimes, the people who walk through our doors have absolutely no friends or family left to lean on. I feel incredibly blessed to stand in the gap and be there for those who cannot help themselves.”

Behind the scenes, shelter work is not simple. It is not just a place to stay. It is a structured program that helps people take steps toward stability while they are moving through some of the hardest moments of their lives.

“People often don't realize just how emotionally demanding—and simultaneously rewarding—this work is. There is a misconception about what we do; people don't always see that our shelter operates as a structured program. We aren't just handing out freebies. Instead, we are helping people help themselves by offering meaningful support and tools during the hardest chapters of their lives.”

Eliza has always felt called to protect and lift up people in need. Her time at the Council has only deepened that commitment.

“To me, a person's background or history doesn't matter. Nobody should die hungry on the streets. I want to instill hope in the people who are trying hard but just aren't there yet—the ones who have had a bad year, have no support system, and have slipped through the cracks.”

Eliza has lived in Gillette her entire life. The people who come to the Council are not strangers to her. They are neighbors.

“I have lived in Gillette since the literal day I was born. This is my community, and these are my people. Our town has a beautiful history of taking care of us, and through donations to the Council, we have the power to take care of them right back.”

She wants people to understand how close to home this work really is.

“The Council of Community Services has helped so many of your actual neighbors—people you see every day, and you'd never even know they were struggling. Homelessness does not discriminate, and in this day and age, it only takes one missed paycheck to end up on the streets. We all want to see our community thrive, and supporting this organization is how we make that happen.”

When asked why she supports the Council, Eliza brought it back to the community that raised her.

“I support the Council of Community Services because those in the Gillette community are my people! They have taken care of me, and I want to take care of them!”

This WyoGives, Council of Community Services is raising $55,000 to support homelessness and housing programs, including the shelter, case management, and staff who help neighbors in crisis.

Your gift helps keep support available for people who may have nowhere else to turn.

Support Council of Community Services this WyoGives and help us care for our own. Click here to learn more.