GAITHER STEPHENS

Hi, I’m Gaither Stephens, a passionate technologist, data enthusiast, and advocate for social good. My journey began in radio broadcasting, where I worked from 1997 to 2014, honing my skills in communication, storytelling, and engaging with diverse communities. In 2016, I transitioned into the field of homelessness services, driven by a desire to use my talents to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

My Work in Homelessness and Technology

I’ve had the privilege of wearing many hats in this space—from organizing Point-In-Time Counts as Chief Technology Officer for the Charlotte County CoC to serving on the board of the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition (now Charlotte Cares). Today, I work nationally, building custom data dashboards that empower homelessness organizations to analyze shelter occupancy, client demographics, system performance, and outcomes.

Through these tools, I help organizations make data-driven decisions, advocate for resources, and maximize their impact. I also lead a professional network of over 1,400 CoC and HMIS Leads, fostering collaboration and innovation among leaders in the field.

Speaking and Advocacy

As a national speaker, I’ve shared insights at conferences like the National Human Services Data Consortium (NHSDC), Florida Coalition to End Homelessness (FCEH), and Florida Housing Coalition (FHC). My presentations focus on using Artificial Intelligence to help social services optimize their resources while advocating for systemic change—a two-pronged approach to building capacity and driving results.

Beyond Work

Outside of my professional life, I’m a passionate musician. You can often find me behind a drum set, playing the piano, or belting out a song at karaoke. I also enjoy spending time with my family in Punta Gorda, Florida, where we call home.