Robin and Tony Armour are a modest dynamic duo that serves Heartland Alliance on two different levels for the same reasons. As Robin puts it, "It is satisfying to work with an organization with concrete results that you can see in the community" and because, Tony says, "Homelessness matters."

As a Heartland Human Care Services Board Member, Robin takes part in the big picture planning and strategizing for the organization. She sits on the Management & Coordination Committee, which focuses on issues such as audits and real estate governance. She spends her time serving Heartland Alliance at the 30,000-foot level.

Meanwhile, Tony is on the ground making things happen.  He is behind the scenes, moving furniture into and out of storage, and into homes of participants.  As a professional photographer, he sought a volunteer role that included manual labor because "I like to get my hands dirty." He provides the muscle that allows Heartland Alliance to be able to accept furniture donations.  The whole process of organizing furniture in a warehouse to moving a couch into a refugee family's apartment is fulfilling for him.  He also continues to provide pro bono photography for Heartland Alliance and other community organizations, which helps him "grow creatively while providing a service."

It all started about ten years ago when Tony had been hired to shoot some photographs for Heartland Alliance.  He loved being able to "illustrate the cause" through pictures, and it showed him a different way of thinking about the issues.

Like many of us, Tony remembers where he was on September 11, 2001. He was on the Red Line el train with Sid Mohn, President of Heartland Alliance, and he will never forget sharing that profound moment with Sid, whom he greatly admires.

Several years later, Tony introduced Sid to his wife, Robin, who was also inspired by the organization and its leadership, and wanted to help.  Since then, the whole Armour family has become involved with Heartland Alliance through various campaigns such as Adopt-A-Family and the Hygiene Kit Drive. Robin loves that the whole family can get involved, and that it teaches their kids "how to become a good person." They certainly have two great role models: their parents.

Robin and Tony give their time and talent to Heartland Alliance to further the organization's mission in a variety of ways. "It feels good to find a way to be productive, a way to give back," Robin says. Whether it be reviewing corporate structure or moving couches, their completely different contributions are equally valuable and necessary to keep Heartland Alliance moving towards a more just global society.