Will Melton carries with him the memory of the housing insecurity his family faced growing up in Lansing, Mich.

That experience, along with the loss of his father at age 12, shaped his resilience. As his mother worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, he took on the responsibility of helping care for his siblings. Despite the hardships, Melton channeled those struggles into a relentless drive, using his work as a springboard to build a different future.

“Growing up the way I did was embarrassing. I didn’t have fancy clothes. I didn’t get picked in gym class. I hated that,” Melton said. “I’m committed to never having that experience again.”

That drive has propelled him into entrepreneurship and personal success. Will Melton is the CEO of Xponent21, a Richmond-based digital marketing agency he founded. Always looking for solutions, he also launched Richmond Hires, a job board, and Richmond Water, which packages artisanal water in aluminum cans. Beyond business, he hosts a local radio show and podcast. His community involvement includes serving as chair of Housing Families First, based in Henrico, and holding board positions with AI Ready RVA, Leadership Metro Richmond and ChamberRVA.

“I’m a good idea person. I have a very active mind and imagination,” he said. “I come up with ideas that excite me, and my team helps make it happen.”

Melton joined the board of Housing Families First because he felt a responsibility to make a change. Housing Families First boasts a 90% rate of moving families in its program into permanent housing in 2024.

The housing insecurity that his family faced is at crisis levels today. Nationally, there’s a 7.1 million deficit of affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income renters, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC). As of January 2025, 660 people were experiencing homelessness in the Richmond area, according to Homeward RVA, the organization that coordinates homeless services in the area.

Melton’s family moved to Williamsburg in 2000, and he landed at Virginia Commonwealth University after high school. He and his wife, Courtney, have made Richmond their home. After meeting their goal of visiting all 50 states, they’re looking forward to international travel.

Melton reflects on his path, his leadership role at Housing Families First (HFF) and his commitment to creating a Richmond where every family has a place to call home.

What is Housing Families First? We are a nonprofit organization that provides families facing homelessness with a path to a permanent home. It was founded in 2001 as Hilliard House by Karl Bren and Ellie Mekeski as a 30-bed shelter for homeless women and children in Eastern Henrico County.

What kind of programming and assistance does HFF provide? We offer and contribute to several programs that address different stages of housing need: Hilliard House shelter, the Homeless Connection Line and Key Hunters housing coaching.

Community housing programs include Building Neighbors and Bringing Families Home, which provide strategies and financial assistance to help families move into permanent housing. The Forging Foundations program supports young adults (ages 18–24) by offering interim housing and assistance to help them transition into stable living situations.

Who is eligible for HFF’s services? Eligibility varies by program, but in general, HFF serves families with children who are experiencing homelessness or who are at imminent risk of losing their housing. Families must be referred through the region’s Homeless Connection Line, which ensures that those most in need are prioritized.

Some programs also serve young adults who are parenting or single and facing homelessness.

How did you get involved with Housing Families First? I became involved after meeting Beth Vann-Turnbull, the executive director, in the Leadership Metro Richmond Quest Class of 2020. I noticed that the organization was already well-funded and moving in a positive direction. I was interested in leveraging my skills to contribute to the next phase of growth. I haven’t looked back since.

When were you elected board chair? I was elected board chair a year ago and have one year left in my term. I accepted because HFF is an innovator in homelessness, and I believe in our responsibility to make meaningful change.

Why is Housing Families First meaningful to you? When I was a child, we were never homeless, but we faced housing insecurity and the risk of eviction. Community members stepped in to help us, and I understand what these families are going through. I want to use my time and resources to ensure that fewer families in our region face that hardship.

What is your top priority as board chair? My top priority as board chair is to lead an effective and ambitious board to help realize our vision of a Richmond where all families have a safe place to call home.

What’s your biggest challenge? Our biggest challenge is the lack of affordable housing and resources relative to the overwhelming need in our community. Families need to know there’s a support system and that they can call the Homeless Connection Line to find help. HFF contributes to that system and receives referrals through it. We don’t have enough resources to move enough people through the system or provide the needed support to ensure they find stable housing.

What are some challenges with affordable housing in Richmond? The cost of housing is constantly increasing, making it harder for families to secure stable homes. We cover deposits and move-in costs, but as rents rise, it costs more to help each family. The only real solution is to increase the number of affordable housing units — our region is over 40,000 units short.

What about challenges to achieving racial equity in housing in Richmond? We acknowledge long-standing racial inequities that affect housing, access to resources and neighborhood conditions. Our role is to serve all families at the crisis level, regardless of race, gender, or orientation. We receive referrals through a regional triage system and do not turn anyone away who qualifies for housing, provided resources are available.

What’s a scenario that epitomizes the way HFF makes a difference for a local family? A grandmother caring for her grandchildren faced homelessness and found refuge at Housing Families First. Through our programs and case management, she secured a stable home and was able to create a safe, steady environment for her family.

How can someone access your services? They can contact the Homeless Connection Line at 804-972-0813 or visit hclrva.org.

How can someone get involved with helping HFF? Visit our website to learn about volunteer opportunities, make a donation, or join a board or committee. We host corporate groups, fundraising events and industry roundtables throughout the year.

Are there any Housing Families First events planned? We’re celebrating our 25th anniversary this year with a series of birthday events and community celebrations. The details are available on our website.

How do you start your day? I try to start most days at the gym, clearing my head and feeling empowered to take on the challenges ahead.

What are three words that best describe you? Pioneering, intentional and empathetic.

What are the top three on your musical playlist? Rüfüs Du Sol, Nipsey Hussle and Chappell Roan.

What is something you love to do that most people would never imagine? While I haven’t done it often, I really enjoy fly-fishing. It’s mesmerizing and requires being fully present. Being in nature provides benefits, too.

Most inspirational quote? “Just Do It,” the Nike slogan.

What book influenced you the most and how? “The Four Agreements,” by Don Miguel Ruiz. It taught me I don’t need to respond to others’ desires or insecurities, freeing me from being beholden to expectations and giving me true independence.

What are you currently reading? “The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home,” by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise. I’m interested in this because I believe our education system is built to serve society, not individuals. I want to learn methods that might shape the future and hope to influence education in America through my contributions.

What’s your next goal? Through AI Ready RVA, I aim to make Richmond the most AI-literate city in the world. By empowering people with knowledge and access to technology, we can help them build financial stability and thrive, reducing the risk of homelessness.