Our Officers & Board Members

Our Board of Directors serves as the guiding light for Milford Advocacy for the Homeless, stewarding our mission, programs, partnerships, and resources with care and accountability. The MAH Board of Directors is made up of four officers and eight board members who work together to provide leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the organization.

Each board member is intentionally chosen for the unique value, experience, perspective, and support they bring to MAH’s work. Board members serve a three-year term, helping provide steady leadership as our organization continues to grow and respond to community needs.

As a grassroots, volunteer-led organization, our board helps ensure that every decision stays rooted in dignity, compassion, service, and impact. Through their commitment, MAH continues to support our volunteers, strengthen our programs, and remain faithful to the belief that every person deserves to be seen, supported, and treated with respect.

Our Officers

Martha Gery – Founder & President

Martha Gery is the Founder and current President of ‘The Advocacy”. After moving from PA in 2018 with her husband, Keith, her passion for working with the community was ignited by a personal experience with a family member who experienced addiction, mental illnesses, and homelessness for 15 years. This deeply personal journey fueled her desire to give back to her new community, ensuring that those in need receive support and assistance with dignity, compassion, and respect. With an MBA in Project Management, Martha leads the non-profit, focusing on addressing the short- and long-term challenges faced by community members in need. She continues to dedicate her time and energy to improving the lives of those who are vulnerable, striving to create an environment where everyone is supported in their journey from unstable to stable living conditions.

Cynthia (Cindy) Dawe is the Vice President of “The Advocacy”, where she passionately serves her community. Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to Milford, DE, in 2017 with her partner, Bruce, marking a new chapter in their lives. As a mother of three and “Grandie” to six grandchildren, she encourages friends and family to give, believing that even 30 minutes spent in small acts of kindness can impact a life. This belief continues to inspire her advocacy. Cindy’s passion for service was shaped by her father’s heart for the “underdog” and her own heart transformation, which began in the cold of Tent City, where she realized that “those people” were her neighbors in God’s eyes, fully known and fully loved. Three years later, she helps steward the Our Daily Bread Kitchen, grows volunteer teams, mentors others, and fundraises, believing that if we do not raise young people to serve, volunteering as we know it will one day be extinct.

Ruth Houton is the Secretary of “The Advocacy”, whose heart for service and encouragement shines throughout our community. Originally from Oklahoma, Ruth moved to Delaware to spend time with her mother and aunts, bringing with her a lifelong passion for helping others. She also serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Milford Area Ministerial Association and spent 10 years singing alongside her husband, Ken, in nursing homes across Delaware and Maryland, bringing joy and comfort through music. Ruth began volunteering with MAH as a Board Member and Corporate Secretary, where she continues to encourage others with kindness, compassion, and dedication. She enjoys photography, spending time with her dog, and walking beside those in need with loving kindness and human dignity. Her servant’s heart is a beautiful reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.