20 Under 40: Kris McAlister

Executive Co-Director

Carry It Forward

Carry It Forward began distributing survival gear from our founder’s vehicle in emergency conditions, and we now operate and support local shelter and outreach efforts in our urban and rural areas. We seek to be where the need is, with understanding and dignity.

Through their personal journeys while in the current environment, our folks are overcoming obstacles and making a new reality for our entire community in ways that people find energizing.To be part of a collaborative solution-focused team of staff and community partners makes that spark shine even more; taking each idea and project to the next level!

Seeing that synergistic response happen around these issues, with our team, and to be recognized for it, is both humbling and exciting for me! We are a forward-oriented community and it shows through the actions of those honored here.

Thank you, for your consideration of our contribution to the tapestry that is the Eugene-Springfield and greater Lane communities.
 
Born in Springfield, and immersed in the efforts on homelessness since a teenager; Kris McAlister now serves as Executive Co-Director of Carry It Forward, a nonprofit that provides direct service and shelter support for unhoused adults who have not fit into other models.

He is also honored to currently chair both the Lane County Poverty & Homelessness Board and the Springfield Utility Board Budget Committee and to serve as a member of both Escudo Latino and SquareOne Villages boards.