Why I do what I do – Eddie Velez, Supportive Housing program supervisor

As a kid growing up in New York City, I saw firsthand the toll the lack of safety and security can have on a person’s mental health. Uncertainty about meeting basic needs makes it near impossible to think about the future, let alone accomplish goals. This uncertainty dominated my childhood, but also shaped my worldview. I knew from a very early age that my path lay in helping people. Watching my brother struggle with his mental health for years, and his subsequent decade of incarceration because he was not able to get the mental health treatment he needed, only solidified my need to be part of the solution.

I moved to Kansas from the east coast in 2007. After a decade and a half of working with children, I made the switch to adult services when I got to the Bert Nash Center. I was hired as a Psychosocial Worker on the Housing Team in 2008. That’s when I found my people. The helpers, the people on the frontline, the ones who give their all today, wake up tomorrow and give more. Housing became my niche at the Bert Nash Center and I now supervise a transitional housing program and an amazing team of behavioral health specialists. Working with this team has been the highlight of my career. I have the opportunity to help train people at the beginning of their careers, be part of projects to help expand housing availability for the county, and still provide support for people who would otherwise fall through the cracks.

At Bridges we can provide a safe, supportive environment to help people achieve independence and housing in the community by focusing on life skills, health, and wellness. Although there are many challenges in this work, both systemic and individual, there is no place I’d rather be. We celebrate all victories, small and large. Being present when someone gets approved for housing or benefits and seeing the relief on their face because of the security that provides will never get old for me. We’re not here to save the world, but if our efforts help one person, improve one life, it’s pretty much the same thing.