- info233517
- May 16
- 4 min read
Updated: May 29
Interviewed by MarCherie
MarCherie: So, Caitlin, what inspired you to get into this line of work?
Kaitlyn: I’ve always believed that my mission on this earth was to help people and support them in the best way I could. I feel like everyone needs that kind of support. Originally, I was planning to be a communications major—maybe a weather girl or get into PR. But then, I started interviewing professors and other people in the field, and I realized Social Work was a better fit for me. I became a social worker, and then, I ended up working with people experiencing homelessness. A big part of my career has been focused on homelessness—working with youth, kids, and adults. I just kind of fell into it.
MarCherie: Who was the first client you took on with Family Promise, and how did you successfully house them?
Kaitlyn: That was Keith. He was in transitional housing at the time. We worked on applying for houses, and he was trying to reunify with the mother of his children, but that didn’t work out. However, he was able to reunify with his children, and now, he's a full-time single dad. After three attempts, we finally got him housed, and now he's thriving. We’re doing weekly interviews, the kids are in daycare, and they have all the support they need. He’s even transitioning to Orange County’s Rapid Rehousing program.
MarCherie: If you had to choose one program to brag about at Family Promise, what would that be?
Kaitlyn: Oh that’s tough. It’s not specifically a program per say, but I would choose the extra events we do, especially during the holidays. It can be challenging for our youth and youth families because not all of them have familial support or other people for support. So, for us to be able to provide a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, special outings such as the ballet or Magic games, and holiday events, it assists in providing a sense of normalcy and building a stronger community foundation. It may seem like small luxuries to some, but it makes a huge impact for the families we serve.
MarCherie: Is there anything else you’d like to add or a question you wish I’d ask you?
Kaitlyn: (laughs) Honestly, not really. I mean, I like talking about the work we do. It’s just a good feeling.
MarCherie: What do you find that your clients appreciate most about you and your efforts?
Kaitlyn: I think it’s my personality. I’m very supportive but I also hold them accountable. I tell them, “I am willing to provide all the resources necessary and show up with you but at the end of the day, this is your life. You must be the one to take the lead and complete what needs to be done with your best efforts.” It’s important to have that balance. You can’t tell them what to do but you also can’t be too much of a friend, so I have learned to tow that line. It’s especially important when working with the youth populations, from ages 18 to 25.
MarCherie: What advice would you give to future caseworkers on how they can successfully house people or get them stably housed?
Kaitlyn: First, meet your client where they are. Understand that you can’t just put them anywhere; you’ve got to make sure they will succeed there. Collaboration is key. You shouldn’t just be doing things for your clients or telling them what to do. Case management, no matter the age, should be a partnership. If you’re not willing to collaborate, then this might not be the field for you.
MarCherie: Let’s back up a bit. Can you tell us about your responsibilities at Family Promise?
Kaitlyn: Sure, I manage a caseload of 16 clients, a mix of youth individuals and youth with children. My job involves finding them housing, employment assistance, and referrals to other support services. We have funding for things like gas cards or application fees, which I can request for clients. I also advocate for them when needed. For example, I had a youth who just needed a driver’s license to get a car. I went to bat for that and got it approved. And, of course, there’s a lot of driving involved—picking up, dropping off, moving people in and out, food deliveries, sometimes even babysitting.
MarCherie: What’s the largest barrier you face in helping your clients get housed?
Kaitlyn: Some of the largest barriers to helping my clients get housed are access to affordable housing, financial and employment stability, and mental health/trauma recovery. Across the tri-county area we serve, there is a significant gap between wages and the cost of living, making essentials like housing and groceries unaffordable for many of our clients. This financial strain is further compounded by rent prices going up by the hundreds it seems like and a good portion of the rental industry requiring a full 3 times the rent as a requirement to move in-even if they can afford the monthly rent.
Additionally, we prioritize building employable and transferable skills to help youth access higher-paying positions, increasing their ability to afford stable housing. However, financial independence alone isn’t enough—many of the youth we work with have faced significant hardships and trauma, often due to circumstances beyond their control. While they are resilient and resourceful, the prospect of change can feel overwhelming. When faced with unfamiliar or difficult situations, there is often an instinct to withdraw, which can make navigating long-term housing stability even more challenging.
