Kelly Penfold was born and raised in Greeley, Colorado and traveled the United States throughout her adult life. Kelly advocated for Syringe Access Harm Reduction to the Nevada State Legislature, helping in the passing of a law that would facilitate the Northern Nevada Outreach Team to open a Safe Syringe Access Location.
In 2013 Kelly began working with homeless people in Yakima. Being homeless herself, and living in transitional housing, prompted her to fight for others to have safe and affordable housing. Kelly returned to advocating in 2014, asking the Yakima City Council to “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes,” of someone experiencing homelessness. Kelly began working with Entrust Community Services in 2017 where she provides outreach to help people experiencing homelessness get access to resources and programs. Kelly has served on boards for the Homeless Planning and Policy Council and the Homeless Network of Yakima County. She joined Justice Housing Yakima to provide input to help people experiencing homelessness.
Kelly’s life passion is to advocate for those who are less fortunate, reduce barriers in their lives and reach the goal of safe, affordable, housing.