Staff Spotlight: Terri Lawson
“I truly enjoy helping people navigate through different circumstances and creating a space for them to be seen and heard.”
Q: How did you get into homeless services as a field of work?
A: I know now that it was the Universe bring together collaborative components because I stumbled into this work by way of interviewing for a director position at another agency and the Executive Director of that agency told me that she believed I would be perfect for a nonprofit she works closely with and recommended that I connect with that organization: Homeward. Once the connection was made, it has been strong and solid ever since. I have always worked in social/human services because I have a passion for helping others and a genuine care and kindness to connect with people.
Q: What’s your job at Homeward and has it evolved since you first joined?
A: My job and title have evolved over my time with Homeward, but my role and my work has remained anchored in the success and impact of the Homeless Connection Line. My current position is Access Programs Director.
Q: What are some parts of your job that you enjoy?
A: I truly enjoy helping people navigate through different circumstances and creating a space for them to be seen and heard. I also enjoy educating and talking with different organizations and businesses within the community to share a clear understanding of who we are and what our work encompasses. I have found delight in seeing and hearing the connection and understanding take place once people truly learn about our work. It is in those moments when they "get it" and it all makes sense for them, that I feel like I have made a huge difference in this journey to help end homelessness. And overall, being able to help people solve problems, de-stress, take a breath, believe a little more and overcome is another highlight in my work.
Q: Is there anything you wish more people knew or understood about homeless services as a field of work?
A: I do, I wish people understood that it is far more complex than just getting people off the street and out of sight. The compound complexities that people come with require dedicated, compassionate work, over time. We are tasked with ending a person’s or family's homelessness and that takes time, energy, effort, connections, collaboration and advocacy. We must consider how people will sustain and maintain that housing beyond that initial move in. What resources do they need, what challenges and barriers are they facing and how can we help reduce those? Poverty is a crucial component; people are poor and with such a low minimum wage how can someone truly afford the cost of living today? Lastly, I wish people understood that more deeply affordable housing (not market value) is the game changer needed.
Q: What motivates you?
A: My faith, my compassion, and my purpose keep me motivated in this work that can be heavy to lift for us. We are supporting people in crisis and folks with trauma and many times we do not have the thing they want most. However, knowing the impact of our work and that we are truly making a positive impact in someone's life makes it worthwhile.
