Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Allen.
Hi Veronica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
“My story begins with my grandmother, who opened her home to anyone in need—whether they were struggling financially, escaping difficult situations, or simply seeking support. I grew up watching her provide meals, shelter, encouragement, financial assistance, and unconditional love. This spirit of generosity was passed down to my mother and eventually to me, shaping my commitment to helping others. From a young age, I wanted to give back to my community and create a safe place for people because I witnessed so many who lacked the support and secure home that my grandmother and mother provided.
My mother became terminally ill when I was 11, leaving me as her full-time caregiver while my biological father was absent due to struggles with substance abuse. When she passed away when I was 18, I became homeless and lived out of my car because I did not want to be a burden to anyone and had never relied on anyone except my mother. I eventually moved to North Carolina to attend college. By the age of 19, I was a mother and a wife, determined to build a life and a purpose that would make my mother proud. From that point on, I naturally helped everyone I came in contact with, doing what I could to support others.
I graduated College with my bachelor’s in early childhood education; I figured as a teacher that was the best way to have access to the community. By way of the military as a spouse we moved around often, so it was challenging to plant my feet in the sand. In 2013 I begin a career with Enterprise Car Rental, that supported my vision to strengthen my community.
Over time, what began as helping one person at a time evolved into a broader mission. I began volunteering consistently, providing direct peer support, transportation, employment readiness, life coaching. In 2020 during covid, I watched the world turn upside down, jobs were lost homes were lost and people were dying and becoming homeless. There was a need for individuals to have access to affordable housing, and this was my opportunity to make a difference. I moved out of my primary residence home that I purchased in 2018 into another house and begin renting beds and rooms out as a way to assist with housing. I partnered with a local real estate investor to acquire more properties for homeless veterans, domestic violence survivors, substance abuse recovery and seniors with limited and fixed income
This vision ultimately led to the creation of the Gwenny Dreams Foundation. Today, our mission is to ensure that individuals faced with adversity have access to safe, affordable housing and essential resources. We serve veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, seniors, individuals with limited abilities, recovering substance abuse, and young adults transitioning out of foster care, continuing the family legacy of compassion and service.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“The road has not always been smooth, but it has been deeply purposeful. Two of the greatest challenges I face was losing my mother as a young adult beginning life and learning how to support individuals battling addiction, mental health issues, or a lack of readiness to change. Although I wanted to help everyone the truth is help did not look exactly as I pictured. Sometimes it was just an encouraging word that I would offer. Wanting more for someone than they wanted for themselves was often difficult, but it taught me the importance of patience, boundaries, and maintaining faith in the process.
Despite these challenges, every person we help reaffirms why this work matters. I am here today because of the foundation laid by the generations before me and because I believe in the power of support, dignity, and opportunity to transform lives.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
“Gwenny Dreams Foundation represents both my personal and professional mission to support individuals facing housing instability, trauma, and major life transitions. In addition to this work, I have built a 12-year career as a Fleet and Transportation Solutions Manager within a billion-dollar private corporation, where I consistently manage a demanding workload of 50+ hours per week.
What sets me apart is my commitment to true work–life integration. I dedicate my professional skills, personal time, and lived experience to helping as many individuals as I encounter—whether through housing support, resource navigation, or direct peer guidance. I am most proud of the consistency and integrity behind this mission, and the ability to impact lives through both my corporate leadership and my foundation’s hands-on community support.”
How do you think about happiness?
“What makes me happiest is witnessing the joy, growth, and renewed confidence of individuals I have supported. Seeing someone transition into stability and regain hope, especially when they once felt overlooked. Being a leader and role model for individuals including my children. Creating opportunities to build a legacy for my family name brings me a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gwennysdream.org
- Instagram: gwennydreamfoundation
