jon’s path into homeless services started with…punk rock and sharing free vegetarian meals with a group called Food Not Bombs.
“As a kid, I realized pretty quickly that the punk ethos split out into two camps – the ‘everything sucks and burn it all down’ side, and the ‘this place is messed up – let’s figure out how to take care of each other the best we can’ side.
The work I do is a natural outgrowth of that overwhelming struggle to make this world a better place for everyone.”
From playing in punk bands and serving meals to the homeless community in 90s, Jon has forged a career living out his beliefs in search of the solution to our country’s housing crisis, focusing on those most affected.
“Homelessness sits at the juncture of every broken system in this country. It’s a result of institutional racism, sexism, classism, a broken health care system, a lack of mental health and substance abuse treatment and, obviously, affordable housing.”
Hellbent on ending homelessness, and privileged to lead the team at GRACE, Jon is committed to following research-based best practices and offering respectful, effective help to the people who need it most.
My goal is to develop programs and activities that actually make a difference. I am consistently grateful for the opportunity to serve other people, and always ready to take on challenges with enthusiasm, accountability, and professionalism while cracking jokes along the way!