Her Story
About Demetria
Demetria Canty is an accomplished nonprofit leader, housing advocate, and social services professional with more than 25 years of experience dedicated to empowering vulnerable populations. As the Founder and CEO of Live Limitless Refuge Center in Troy, New York, Demetria leads New York State's first luxury 31-bed homeless shelter for women, providing a safe, supportive, and dignified environment for women experiencing homelessness. Her mission is centered on helping women rebuild their lives through compassion, stability, and access to essential resources. Through her leadership, Demetria has created a space where women can receive support, regain confidence, and move toward long-term independence.
Before establishing Live Limitless Refuge Center, Demetria developed a strong background in human services, housing, and community support. She began her career working with juveniles and later focused on assisting women involved in the juvenile system before moving into roles such as admissions counselor, eviction prevention coordinator, social service coordinator, property manager, and compliance manager. These experiences allowed her to build expertise in housing stability, nonprofit operations, regulatory compliance, and client advocacy. She earned an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services from Hudson Valley Community College and holds professional certifications, including Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) and Tax Credit Specialist (TCS).
Demetria is recognized for her commitment to integrity, kindness, compassion, and creating opportunities for underserved individuals. She manages the daily operations of Live Limitless Refuge Center, including staff leadership, guest services, financial oversight, community partnerships, and outreach initiatives. Her dedication to service has earned her recognition, including a feature on The Tamron Hall Show, highlighting her impactful work in the community. Inspired by her family’s support and her passion for helping others, Demetria continues to redefine supportive housing and advocate for resources that empower women to overcome challenges and build brighter futures.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Demetria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success primarily to my family, especially my father. His unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me gave me the confidence to overcome challenges and persevere through difficult times. The values he instilled in me—hard work, resilience, and determination—have been the foundation of both my personal growth and professional achievements.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never give up. That simple yet powerful message has guided me through challenges and setbacks, reminding me to stay resilient and focused on my goals. I also believe that success is built on integrity, kindness, and compassion—values that shape how I work with others and how I approach both my professional and personal life.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the not-for-profit sector is securing funding and ensuring equitable access to services. Many small organizations that make a meaningful impact in their communities struggle to access available funding while competing with larger organizations that have greater resources and established networks. Despite these challenges, I see a significant opportunity to strengthen collaboration, expand community partnerships, and advocate for more inclusive funding models that enable organizations of all sizes to better serve those in need.
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