I Heard Brian’s Passion to End Homelessness So I Joined the Board

Commentary by Jennifer Kocan

I first learned about homelessness in the Fall of 1993. I had led a fairly sheltered life up until I started attending classes at Cleveland State University. One afternoon, Brian was giving a talk about the state of homelessness in Cleveland. He was also dispelling some of the common myths. I distinctly remember how impressed I was with Brian's knowledge and his passion to end homelessness.

Many years would go by before I would run into Brian again. This time, it was in 2006 at one of the Homeless Stand Down events.  It was around this time that I joined NEOCH as a board member. Over the last 10 years, Brian has taught me about so many different things… everything from how to manage a nonprofit organization, how to interact with government officials, how to speak at a press conference, how to authentically advocate for someone who is experiencing homelessness, and in general how to be a good human being.  

Thank you, Brian, for giving it your all day in and day out. Lives were changed because of you. I look forward to seeing where the next chapter in your life takes you!  

Editor’s Note: Jennifer Kocan is a board member of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless