Shawn Dowling has been working with unhoused individuals and families for the last 30 years. She received her B.A. In Human Services in 1988 from Siena Heights University and her MSW in 2005 from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Dowling worked in the Federal Service for 14 years, serving unhoused Veterans; as a clinical social worker providing outreach, then supported housing case manager, and then becoming the Chief of the Homeless Section.  During her employment in the Federal Service, she was placed on Detail to the Detroit VA Healthcare System and the West Los Angeles VA Healthcare Systems as a part of the Tiger Team, deployed to re-design HUD-VASH programs. In 2022, Ms. Dowling took over the role of CEO here at Veterans Matter and we are thrilled to thrive under her leadership and continue to advocate for our unhoused Veterans and their families.

contact: sdowling@veteransmatter.org

Shawn has been with Veterans Matter for over 7 years now. She started as our first-ever Housing Advocate, and as you housed more veterans she became the Lead Housing Advocate. In 2022, Shawn was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Shawn is an Army veteran, she comes from a family of veterans. Of course, her helping to make sure that veterans are taken care of and housed is just one more way she gets to keep serving her country.

contact: shawn@veteransmatter.org

Janine has been the Grant Writer and is now the Housing Advocate for Veterans Matter. She and her husband, a retired Navy Sr. Chief, moved back to the area in 2021 after living around the country for the past 10 years. She enjoys traveling, cooking, and being with friends and family.

contact: janine@veteransmatter.org

In 2018, Nick brought a check over to Veterans Matter for $750 – money raised by the students at Horizon Science Academy Toledo (where he works full time as their Community Engagement Coordinator). After a brief discussion in the office, it was decided Nick would come on board to assist with our social media and digital fundraising campaigns. In his free time, you can catch Nick in his kitchen making something delicious.

contact: nick@veteransmatter.org

Alivia began working at Veterans Matter in July of 2021. She will graduate from Toledo School for the Arts in May of 2023 after that she plans to go to the University of Toledo. She has a passion for classical piano, reading, and helping to serve others.

contact: alivia@veteransmatter.org