Serving West Orange: Meet Michelle

For Housing Case Manager Michelle Cancel, serving others is more than a job. It is a calling that began long before she joined the Christian Service Center team. Michelle first connected with CSC as a volunteer in 2018, later joining the staff as a Program Assistant in 2022. By the end of that year, her commitment led her into a full-time Case Manager role.

Michelle’s days are spent helping individuals and families search for housing, access basic needs, and settle into their new homes. She also steps in wherever she is needed, from serving meals to unloading donations. Her goal is simple: to help people move from crisis to stability with dignity and compassion.

One of her most meaningful moments was witnessing a client’s journey to sobriety. “It was great to see such a huge transformation in someone’s life,” she says.

Michelle hopes the community understands that homelessness affects people from all backgrounds and is often shaped by barriers that many never see, including past evictions, limited income, and high housing deposits.

Grounded in prayer and a deep love for her community, Michelle brings heart, hope, and unwavering dedication to every person she serves. As she puts it, “People are my passion.”