Sean has been so important in transforming how we respond to veteran homelessness in the City of Boston. Sean and his team established the City’s rapid rehousing response for veterans, connecting homeless veterans to housing options and services faster than ever before, regardless of where they first seek help. Sean constantly creates better ways of doing business to support veterans, and his sense of humor is appreciated by veterans and colleagues alike. Without his humor, energy, vision, and leadership, we could not have achieved such remarkable results in the last several years, including housing 770 homeless veterans since July 2014 -- and still counting.

What do you find most satisfying about this work?

First and foremost, I love serving our veterans everyday. I enjoy meeting the veterans where they’re at and letting them know that regardless of the challenges, they deserve housing. I enjoy collaborating with my colleagues both at my agency and across the city to find the best housing opportunities for our veterans, including making sure they have the right support in their homes.

Being a part of the City’s veterans working group has been a real joy, too, because we've made great strides while also celebrating small successes.

Will you tell us a story about something that made you proud?

I think my proudest moments in my four years at the Center have been when I’m able to tell a veteran that they’ve been approved for an apartment or a housing voucher.  It really never gets old.

More recently, through the collaboration of the veterans working group, we have been able to serve veterans who have missed out on opportunities because of their military discharge status, previous housing experience, or other challenges.  Working together, we have been able to break down so many barriers.

This work can be trying at times, but one "thank you" from one of these Veterans, with the most sincere gratitude I have heard, makes it all worth it.