Recently, the Center for Housing and Health unexpectedly lost a member of our team. The Center's staff mourn the passing of Kerry Journey, our beloved colleague and friend, whose life and work exemplified our values and vision.
Kerry was a bright light who touched so many of those she worked with, whether as colleagues or program participants. Her spirit and kindness will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. In her years with our organization, Kerry embodied the vision of the Center for Housing and Health, to ensure every person has a place to call home where they can reach their full potential. Kerry helped people find and move into their own home after experiencing homelessness. She lit up when she talked about people receiving keys to their apartment and turning the lock. For some, even older adults, it was the first time they ever held their own lease or had their own keys. She made that possible for dozens of our neighbors, and we are all indebted to her for it. Our city is a better place because of her.
Kerry thrived in making a special effort with people who others ignore or push aside: people returning home from incarceration, struggling to manage serious mental illness or actively using substances. Kerry found ways to connect with people who demonstrated challenging behaviors and built trust with them by affirming their dignity and humanity. She saw people and opened doors for people - literally and figuratively.
Kerry was recently promoted to a manager position in recognition of her skills, compassion and dedication. In honor of Kerry’s contributions, the Center for Housing and Health will be renaming a program designed for people returning home from incarceration: The Journey Forward.
We are grateful for the time we had with Kerry. All of us at the Center for Housing and Health are grieving alongside Kerry's many family, friends, colleagues, and program participants, and will do our part to keep her memory alive through our continued dedication to ending homelessness and improving health through housing.
