Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Scott Charbonneau, the president and CEO of Cornerstone Assistance Network, to the Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless, the Governor’s office announced this week. The term is set to expire at the pleasure of the Governor.
Charbonneau brings significant experience to the role, having led Cornerstone Assistance Network—a Christ-centered nonprofit organization serving Tarrant County’s impoverished residents—since its establishment in 1992. “Welcome to Cornerstone Assistance Network, a Christ-centered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of those struggling under the burden of poverty,” reads the organization’s mission statement.
Background in Poverty Relief
What makes Charbonneau particularly suited for this appointment? His organization provides comprehensive support services that address many facets of homelessness and poverty. Cornerstone delivers emergency food, clothing, medical care, supportive housing for homeless men, and programs designed to help former offenders reintegrate into society, according to the organization’s website.
Charbonneau holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Baylor University, credentials that have likely informed his business-minded approach to nonprofit management. He also serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Hurst, further demonstrating his community involvement.
The Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless coordinates the state’s resources and services for people experiencing homelessness. It’s a critical body that brings together various state agencies to develop a cohesive strategy for addressing one of Texas’s most persistent social challenges.
“This appointment reflects our commitment to bringing experienced community leaders to the table as we work to address homelessness across Texas,” a statement from the Governor’s office might read, though Abbott didn’t provide public comment on the specific appointment.
Cornerstone’s Approach
At Cornerstone, which Charbonneau oversees as CEO (he can be reached at [email protected] or extension 107), the focus extends beyond immediate relief. The organization emphasizes a three-pronged approach of relief, recovery, and restoration—aimed not just at addressing immediate needs but at creating pathways out of poverty.
Charbonneau’s appointment comes at a time when homelessness continues to challenge communities across Texas, with rising housing costs and economic pressures placing more individuals and families at risk.
How his faith-based approach to poverty alleviation will translate to state policy remains to be seen. But his extensive experience working directly with homeless populations in Tarrant County provides a ground-level perspective that could prove valuable to the council’s work.
For now, Charbonneau joins a council tasked with developing policies that affect thousands of Texans experiencing homelessness—bringing with him three decades of experience from the frontlines of that very fight.
