Texas Governor Greg Abbott has tapped a Fort Worth nonprofit leader to help tackle the state’s growing homelessness challenges, announcing Scott Charbonneau’s appointment to the Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless effective January 20, 2026.
Charbonneau, who currently serves as president and CEO of Cornerstone Assistance Network in Fort Worth, brings extensive experience working with vulnerable populations to the role. His appointment comes at a critical time when homelessness continues to challenge communities across the Lone Star State.
From Corporate Background to Community Service
What makes Charbonneau’s path to this appointment notable? Unlike many in the nonprofit sector, his background includes significant corporate training. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Baylor University — credentials that have apparently helped him run Cornerstone with both compassion and business acumen, according to organizational materials.
Beyond his professional role, Charbonneau also serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Hurst, further cementing his connection to faith-based community service in the region.
“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, reflecting the values Charbonneau will likely bring to his state-level position.
A Veteran in Fighting Poverty
Cornerstone Assistance Network isn’t new to the fight against homelessness. Founded in 1992, the organization has spent three decades developing programs that provide relief, recovery, and restoration services to individuals and families in poverty throughout Tarrant County.
The organization’s approach is comprehensive. It assists homeless individuals, single parents, and low-income families with immediate needs like food, shelter, and clothing, while also addressing longer-term challenges through employment assistance and childcare services, notes CauseIQ, which tracks nonprofit organizations.
This holistic strategy aligns with contemporary approaches to homelessness that recognize the complex, interconnected challenges faced by those experiencing housing insecurity.
Charbonneau’s term on the council will continue at the Governor’s pleasure, giving him potentially significant runway to influence state policy on homelessness issues.
As Texas continues to grapple with affordable housing shortages and economic pressures that put more residents at risk of homelessness, Abbott’s selection signals an interest in bringing faith-based nonprofit leadership perspectives to the table — a move that will likely please conservative constituents while raising questions from advocates who prefer secular approaches to social services.
The Texas Interagency Council for the Homeless coordinates state agencies’ homeless strategies and serves as a clearinghouse for information on homeless programs. With Charbonneau’s appointment, the question remains: will his experience running a Christ-centered nonprofit in one county translate to effective policy recommendations for a diverse state of nearly 30 million people?
