Volunteer Spotlight: Greta Elenbaas

Supporting My Neighbors: Greta Elenbaas

Greta Elenbaas’ involvement with the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky stretches back to when ESNKY was still located at its Scott Street location. Greta first learned about ESNKY as part of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership NKY program and quickly wanted to find ways to support the organization. She’s not only served as a volunteer at the shelter but also helps organize ESNKY’s major fundraisers by serving on the Homeless to Hopeful Gala Committee for three consecutive years.

For Greta, her connection with the guests and the struggles they encounter are deeply personal.

“Being food insecure for a time as a kid, I understand how close we all are to being unable to eat, and unhoused. There is an incredible economic disparity between the “haves” and “have nots” that has been growing since the 1980’s. The tiniest of mistakes such as a bounced check or unforeseen circumstances like the need for a new hot water heater or a broken transmission could lead to being on the street,” explains Greta.

During her time volunteering at ESNKY, Greta says she has witnessed firsthand the Life Saving, Life Changing impact ESNKY has on guests both for their short-term and long-term needs.

“The sheer gratitude guests express with something like sharing a meal or getting a new sweatshirt or jacket is genuine and incredibly motivating. I’m thankful that I get to be a part of ESKNY’s work,” says Greta, “Seeing guests, my neighbors, get keys to a home is life changing. ESNKY’s ability to connect people to the right services to provide stability is incredible.”

From July 2022 through June 2025, ESNKY’s Transitional Housing Program supported 31 graduates exiting to market-rate (non-subsidized) housing, all of whom were employed, as the program requires earned income.  Of these graduates, 64.5% remained stably housed. 

“I appreciate organizations like ESKNY helping to support guests. They’re my neighbors,” says Greta.

If you’d like to volunteer, like Great Elenbaas, contact Maya Mintu, ESNKY Volunteer Coordinator, at maya.mintu@esnky.net or (859) 291 – 4555.