We spoke with Brianna Oyeyemi, LMSW, a Shelter Support Team Member at Breaking Ground, about her day-to-day responsibilities, what brought her to this work, and what inspires her to keep going.
HSU: Can you share a bit about your background and how you became involved in working at your organization?
BO: I come from a background in social work with a focus on mental health, community organizing, and healthcare. I’ve always been drawn to roles centered on support and advocacy for hard-to-reach populations. I became involved with Breaking Ground because of its commitment to harm reduction and person-centered care, which closely align with my values and previous experience. Joining the organization felt like a natural extension of the work I had already been doing.
What drew you to work in the shelter environment, and how would you describe your experience so far?
What drew me to this environment was the opportunity to work directly with individuals facing housing insecurity due to complex challenges that require equally complex solutions. My experience has been both professionally and personally rewarding. Every day presents new situations, and I’m constantly learning from a diverse set of colleagues and, especially, from the people we support.
Have you faced any particular challenges while working here, and how have you overcome them?
BO: One ongoing challenge is balancing the emotional intensity of the work with the need to stay grounded and professional. Working with this population requires being fully present for clients and teammates which also protecting your own emotional capacity. Setting clear boundaries, leaning on my team, and staying focused on the bigger picture have helped me navigate difficult moments. Clear communication and consistency have also been essential for building trust with clients, which in turn makes it easier for our teams to sustain this work.
What does a typical day look like for you at the shelter?
A typical day in outreach includes a mix of client support, whether individuals are still living on the street or residing in a shelter. This may involve street canvassing, case coordination, or helping someone begin the transition to permanent housing. I spend time checking in with clients, assisting with appointments or referrals, addressing urgent needs—especially for our most vulnerable clients—documenting progress, and collaborating with other teams. Flexibility is key, since priorities can shift quickly based on what’s happening in real time.
Are there specific tasks or roles within your position that you feel particularly passionate about or find most rewarding?
I am particularly passionate about conducting clinical assessments for our most complex and vulnerable clients. These are often individuals with layered medical, psychiatric, and social challenges who have been living on the street for many years, sometimes over a decade. The assessment process allows us to identify the right path forward, whether that’s transitional housing, medical respite, or a higher-level psychiatric placement. We’ve seen meaningful progress with clients who were once considered unreachable, and being part of that process is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
How do you build rapport and trust with residents at the shelter, especially in those first few interactions?
We begin building rapport with clients while they are still unhoused, often through consistent engagement on the street. That connection continues when they enter shelter and extends into more stable placements. Our approach is rooted in respect, consistency, and a non-judgmental attitude, all of which reflect harm reduction principles. Many clients have experienced trauma or negative interactions with institutions, and some face added challenges related to mental health or substance use. Trust takes time and patience. We listen actively, meet people where they are, and keep showing up, even when they’re not ready to take the next step. That consistency is what builds meaningful, long-term rapport.
What is the most important thing to consider when working in the shelter?
The most important thing to remember is that every client’s situation is unique. While there may be common patterns, each person’s path is shaped by complex and intersecting factors—trauma, systemic inequities, health issues, and more. Empathy and consistency are critical. That means consistency across teams and, just as importantly, consistency in how we show up for clients. It’s essential to avoid assumptions, stay trauma-informed, and recognize that shelter is not just a place of temporary housing. It’s a space where trust is rebuilt, and where clients can begin to reconnect with a sense of community.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
This work is not easy, but it is necessary. It’s vital for many of the most vulnerable people in our city. As affordable housing continues to be a major challenge in New York City, we also need to make sure we’re not forgetting those who may not be able to fully advocate for themselves. Supporting people who are often left out of the conversation is essential, and this work is part of that effort.