Testimonials

“I find Ash Uss to be a person who is driven to do the right thing, she takes risks, prioritizes the most vulnerable homeless who are in need of shelter and housing, and develops incredible partnerships in the community. She is driven not only by her deep compassion but her thoughtful research, grassroot efforts, and data driven solutions. Ash understands the importance of community partners working together to end homelessness and developing a continuum of services to meet the unique needs of the individual.”

Darlene Newsom, Retired CEO UMOM

“I had the privilege of working very closely with Ash Uss in conjunction with the expansion of the homeless shelter in Downtown Phoenix. Ash was truly a tour de force. She not only brought commitment and enthusiasm to the project, but her substantive knowledge and contributions were nothing short of phenomenal. Her work ethic and expertise added immeasurably to the success of the project. She gets my highest recommendation.”

Paul E. Gilbert, Founder of Beus Gilbert McGroder PLLC

“I have had the honor of working alongside Ash in varying roles to serve the local community.  I am beyond impressed with her knowledge, passion and capacity for doing this kind of work that ultimately benefits the entire community.  From the Ground Up will be an organization that will soon be a household name and a pillar in the community…. I am supremely confident in that statement because of Ash’s leadership.”

Jerome Parker, Community Pastor of First Christian Church Phoenix

“Ash Uss is a singular talent who has put her intellect, skills and endless energy to work advancing efforts to address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. Her compassion for the most vulnerable members of our community is matched only by her understanding of the tools, programs and complexities involved in helping them improve their circumstances.  I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have on my team to take on the homelessness challenge.”

Jonathan Koppell, President, Montclair State University

 “In the time that I have known Ash, I have seen her embrace and live the core beliefs of From the Ground Up: everyone deserving a safe place to call home, organizing to build support from everyone in the community to see their role in providing safe places to call home, and articulating the responsibility to center racial equity.

I have also been alongside Ash as she uses her lived experience, academic intelligence, data analysis skills, and human centered relational skills, to improve our community. Ash is a life-long learner who listens patiently and responds wisely. I look forward to partnering with her to bring everyone from the street to home.

Amy Schwabenlender, Executive Director of the Human Services Campus

“When I think of Ash, two words immediately come to mind. Passion and commitment: a passion for and a commitment to solving the problem of homelessness. And doing so in a thoughtful, collaborative and compassionate way. She also brings to the table an awesome combination of her active intelligence, her service to people experiencing homelessness, her work to alleviate homelessness at the direct services and policy levels, and her own lived experience.”

Jon Ehlinger, President, Garcia Family Foundation

"I met Ash a few years back, while working at the regional level. Honestly, it may have even been before that. All of which to say, she has been someone in our community for many years that has been a much needed voice, leader and advocate in this work. She's always been incredibly professional, handles herself very well even in the hardest of moments during community meetings, all while providing agency and grace to those around her and those she advocates for. Her research work and ability to illustrate the story of homelessness and the broken systems that perpetuate it, is beyond exceptional."

Shantae Smith, Systems Transformation Advisor of Community Solutions

“I have known Ash for about three years now. I am in awe of her tireless work as a community advocate and change agent. I’ve witnessed Ash share her knowledge and expertise across settings and I have been inspired every time.

She approaches the world with an incredible authenticity and compassion that clearly fuels “From the Ground Up.”

Rarely do we meet individuals who we know will make the world a better place. Without a doubt, Ash will be the catalyst for meaningful change. She will make the world a better place.”

Natasha “Tasha” Mendoza, MSW, PhD

“Ash Uss is an exceptional grassroots organizer that our team has had the pleasure to work with. Her passion and integrity combined with her collaborative, data-driven work style has been key to mobilizing positive change in the community. “

David Schwartz, Principal/Co-Founder of Goodman Schwartz Public Affairs

“Her passion is serving those experiencing homelessness with real solutions, and she does this not only with great care, but with incredible wisdom.

It is rare to find someone who is equally skilled at and comfortable with street outreach, speaking at a City Council meeting, talking to media, conducting research and analyzing data, writing a proposal, explaining a zoning case, and engaging someone in need.

I’m thrilled that Ash has founded From the Ground Up so that she does not have to choose just one of these skills to continue to utilize! From the Ground Up provides comprehensive consulting and project management, looking at all sides of an issue to find the best possible solutions. Her honesty and professionalism make her an essential leader and partner in helping our community to end homelessness.”

Jessica Berg, Chief Program Officer at St. Vincent de Paul