“I first took Alli’s class after I had been working at a homeless shelter for over two years. I walked in thinking there wasn’t much for me to learn, and I left feeling humbled and challenged to meet the issue of homelessness in a new way that better recognized the dignity and worth of each individual.

Alli’s class is not the place to learn statistics about homelessness in the US, a three-step guide to solving the issue, or what policies need to change within our government. It’s about relationships and truly making our unhoused neighbors feel seen and treated with equity and compassion. Alli’s wisdom, humor, and humility remind us that each individual is created in the image of God, and that indifference to our unhoused neighbors causes so much harm because it dehumanizes them.

The class teaches that ‘anything worth doing is worth doing poorly’ — we don’t have to get it right every time or have all the answers. We just have to show up. The message of ‘With, Not For’ is crucial for building relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, and it was life-changing for me to hear.

Alli’s class reminds participants of the importance of being seen and that we are called to love our neighbors, not save them. I think this class should be required for anyone working within faith-based organizations addressing homelessness, but it’s also incredibly beneficial to anyone who has passed someone experiencing homelessness on the street and not known what to say or do.”

— Jordan Foxworthy

“Ms. Allison is the epitome of dedication, integrity, and compassion. Navigating complex city systems can be incredibly overwhelming, but she stepped in during our family’s roughest times and refused to let us fall through the cracks. She has been a fierce advocate, a dependable ally, and a voice for my family when we needed it most.

Beyond her immense professional knowledge in community affairs, she is a deeply caring person who always keeps her word. Anyone who has the privilege of working with her through her consulting, workshops, or speaking engagements will be working with the absolute best.”

— Aisha, Washington DC

“I was a soldier in the military. Allison McGill is another type of soldier: a soldier for the marginalized, the disenfranchised in our society. Those who are struggling day to day just to make it through another day, oftentimes with the bare necessities. Those who fell off the wagon for a multitude of reasons and need assistance to get back into the mainstream of society.

I was one of those persons who was fortunate enough to come in contact with her organization, which in turn changed the trajectory of my life. There was a host of services available, but what separated her outfit from all the rest, for my situation, was the personal connection with people who looked you in the eye as their equal, with genuine care and concern, asking ‘How may we help you?’

Allison is a feisty, no-nonsense, in-the-foxhole soldier who is adored by me and plenty of others. She is a voice for the voiceless, reaching people in high places that I and many others could never have gotten their attention.

Going from the marginalized to the mainstream, I want Allison McGill in my foxhole.”

— Gino Lloyd, Hagerstown MD

“For the last 8 years, I have been blessed to have Alli McGill on speed dial when I encounter a neighbor in need. Whether it’s housing or food insecurity, clearing crosswalks of snow and ice, crossing guard duty at a busy intersection, or driving neighbors to medical appointments, her answer is always ‘Yes.’

I was drawn instantly to her joy and relentless kindness. Years ago, I told Alli I wanted to partner with her in loving our neighbors, and she continues to raise the bar! It is my daily privilege and joy to do community with Alli from the heart and full of love.”

— Kimberly Kennedy, Native Washingtonian and DC Public Servant

“Alli McGill has been leading work to support and dignify vulnerable communities for over two decades. As a pastor in Washington DC leading a liberationist church, I have had the privilege of witnessing both her uncommon wisdom and her profound willingness to roll up her sleeves and actually practice every single thing she preaches.

Alli is the rare person whose well-earned reputation still somehow understates the depth of impact she continues to have. Put simply, Alli understands something about becoming kin that we so desperately need in our time.”

— Pastor Tonetta Landis-Aina, Co-Lead Pastor, The Table Church