Our Mission
Thrive2Survive exists to empower individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and behavioral health challenges through peer-led recovery housing, compassionate outreach, and mentorship rooted in lived experience. We walk alongside people on their journey toward healing, stability, and self-directed lives—because everyone deserves a chance not just to survive, but to thrive.
Our vision
Join Us on Our Journey as We Continue to Grow & Provide Essential Support to Our Houseless Community
Our vision for the future is ambitious. We're working on providing financial assistance to families of overdose victims for burial and cremation services. Additionally, we plan to launch monthly popup meals for houseless camps, aiming to educate our friends about the resources and services available to help them improve their lives.
Whether you'd like to volunteer, donate, or partner with us, your involvement can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, let's help our friends not just survive, but truly thrive.
Our History
Our Story Began in 2018
Charles Hanset had an idea to serve a community meal, provide clothing, and connect resources to our houseless friends. His vision was to set them on a path towards improving their lives and building long-term, supportive connections. Charles gathered a dedicated team, found a location, and organized the first Thrive2Survive community outreach event at the Navigation Center. The event was a huge success, bringing together enthusiastic volunteers and guests to serve around 50 hot meals.
Over the first year, our monthly events at the Navigation Center drew larger crowds, eventually serving approximately 125 people per month. The camaraderie among volunteers and the positive impact on our houseless friends was inspiring. However, when the pandemic struck, our events were put on hold and the Navigation Center closed.
In April 2021, Thrive2Survive returned stronger than ever, with a new energy, fresh volunteers, and a greater need for support. By 2022, we partnered with Living Hope Church as our new event location and were recognized as an independent 501(c)(3) public charity. Our events, now held quarterly, serving over 600 meals at each, and we continue to add community partners, sponsors, and services based on the needs expressed by our houseless community.
Board members and executive staff
Get to Know & Meet Our Team!
“A leader is a person who finds a way, makes the way, and ultimately shows the way.”
Charles Hanset Jr
Founder/Executive Director
Charles is the Founder and Executive Director of Thrive2Survive. He began his outreach efforts upon entering recovery in 2017, driven by a mission to provide resources for the unhoused community. Charles started doing outreach by filling the back of his Honda station wagon with clothes, food, and valuable resources, he aimed to help individuals transition off the streets while fostering meaningful human connections through his own lived experiences. In addition to Thrive2Survive, he founded PNW Grass Roots Recovery Housing, a vision he's held since 2017. Charles has also been actively involved in local and state-level governance as a voting member of BHAB, PRACC, and the State Opioid Response Work Group. Charles’s journey reflects the profound impact one individual can have on a community. Through his unwavering commitment to helping others, he has created a network of support that empowers those facing homelessness and addiction. By fostering collaboration and compassion, he demonstrates that recovery is not just a personal journey but a collective one. Charles’s vision for Thrive2Survive and PNW Grass Roots Recovery Housing is a testament to the power of connection, accountability, and shared purpose. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our community, one person at a time.
"Don't be ashamed of your story, It will inspire others."
Nicole Hamberger
Board president
I am honored to be on the board for Thrive2Survive. I have watched this program grow from what it was in the River City Church days to what it is now, and I am simply amazed with what this organization has done. Thrive2Survive's commitment to bridging gaps and connecting our most vulnerable populations to resources and services is one of the most successful community engagement events this community has ever seen. I bring expertise in convening stakeholders, facilitating difficult conversations, and centering and amplifying community voice to the Thrive2Survive mission. Together, hand in hand, our partners can provide the line to safety and wellbeing that so many of our community members are desperately trying to find. Thrive2Surveve is a one stop shop for whole person care, and it's only the beginning of their story.
Christina Suarez
Vice President/Secretary
I am a part of Thrive2Survive because I believe in the hope that giving to our community gives others, especially in the houseless community. I've seen countless scenarios where resources and multiple agencies have networked together to assist individuals in overcoming barriers and challenges. The individuals report back their successes such as getting housing, employment, ID's, veterinary services for their companion or service animals, finding medical care, etc. My role with Thrive 2Survive is Board Secretary and what I bring to Thrive2Survive is compassion, innovative ideas, integrity, energy, cohesiveness, organization, and a ton of fun!
Bryan McGee
TreasureR
My name is Bryan McGee. I have experienced all aspects of life from buying a home to being houseless, being an addict to being incarcerated. While on my continuous journey of rebuilding my life, rebuilding the community that I was raised in, is an integral part of my journey. I've learned to be positive and lend a helping hand when asked or needed. I appreciate being able to be involved with thrive 2 survive because it keeps me engaged with the community and allows me to grow with the community and not just in the community.
Sheri Lee
Board of DIRECTORS
Sheri Lee is a Lead Housing Case Manager with Janus Youth Programs, dedicated to supporting and empowering youth in Vancouver, Washington. She has enjoyed working in Clark County for 6 years and is an active member of the Prevention Recovery Alliance Clark County. She is also a first-generation college graduate and a single mother with lived experience with housing instability and addiction-related trauma. Sheri hopes to give back to her community and believes in the importance of helping one another.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members” Coretta Scott King
Jess Porter
Board of Directors
When I was 17, my first job out of high school was filing and answering phones for a Psychiatrist in my hometown in Arkansas. It was here that I was inspired to pursue a career as a behavioral health nurse in order to support those with severe persistent mental illness. A decade later I lost family members to addiction and suicide. Even with my knowledge and background, I could not do enough to “save” those I love the most. It was at this point I refocused and began a new career in non-profit community health services focusing on unhoused individuals in active addiction and mental health crises. I learned, and now understand, it takes a community working together to support folks in their recovery journeys. I joined T2S because they take a holistic approach by focusing on community partnerships to support our most vulnerable community members.