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Maria is a Senior Operations Specialist at Anthos|Home. We asked her about her experiences working in the shelter system, and what Maria’s work means to her and her clients. 

HSU: Can you share a bit about your background and how you became involved in working at Anthos|Home? 

Maria Nowicki: I’ve been working in the non-profit field for the past six years, starting in arts and education. Over time, my interests shifted toward more direct support roles, particularly working with individuals with developmental disabilities. That experience deepened my passion for service and advocacy, which eventually led me to housing work with Anthos|Home, where I now help create stable, supportive environments for people who need it most. 

At Anthos|Home, we help families and individuals with housing vouchers move from shelter into permanent housing within several months, instead of staying in shelter for a year or longer while trying to find a home. We’re able to do this work by partnering closely with the program participants, property providers, shelter providers, and government agencies to streamline the voucher-to-housing process. After move-in, program participants receive a year of aftercare services to ensure housing stability and help them to succeed. 

What drew you to work in the shelter environment, and how has your experience been so far? 

When I first started at Anthos|Home nearly two years ago, I didn’t originally anticipate working so closely with shelters and the individuals who reside in them, but the experience has been truly eye-opening. I’ve encountered a wide range of stories – some filled with hope and joy, others marked by real struggle. What’s been most meaningful is the opportunity to be part of creating more positive outcomes. When working with people through each step of the process, I get to know them and see how much of a difference safe, stable housing makes as they plan for their next health, employment, or education goal – something nearly impossible to do while they are in shelter. I feel fortunate to contribute to a space where people are supported, seen, and given the chance to rebuild with dignity. 

Have you faced any particular challenges while working here, and how have you overcome them? 

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been navigating the rapid growth and evolving structure of a startup organization. Because Anthos|Home is so new, processes, roles, and expectations have shifted multiple times, and it requires a lot of flexibility. At times, there was no roadmap – I had to build systems while actively doing the work. I’ve helped shape how we manage move-ins, coordinate with repairs contractors and movers, and support tenants after move-in. Though challenging to develop processes while so deeply involved in the work, it has been exciting to own these projects and see their direct impact on the lives of the people we serve – as well as the partners who help make this work possible.  

Our close partners working in the shelter systems are often balancing many responsibilities and priorities at once. Building relationships in that environment takes patience and dedication. Approaching every conversation with empathy, professionalism, and clarity of purpose has helped me gain trust and foster productive collaboration – even in high-stress situations. 

These experiences have pushed me to grow as both a problem-solver and a communicator, and they’ve deepened my commitment to the mission of housing stability in NYC. 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

My role is quite fluid, which I enjoy – it allows me to work closely not only with the families and individuals we support but also with vendors, property providers, external partners, and internal teams across the organization. Because Anthos|Home is a startup, my responsibilities have evolved alongside its growth. Some days I’m out visiting apartments in need of repair, vetting contractors, and collecting bids. Other days I’m planning and coordinating multiple move-ins, making sure participants are equipped to transition to independent living. I also manage a financial component, communicating with property providers to ensure they have the support they need as they prepare to welcome new tenants. More recently, I’ve been focused on aftercare services, acting as a liaison between tenants in arrears and landlords, and helping participants access financial literacy resources to prevent a return to shelter. 

Are there specific tasks or roles within your position that you feel particularly passionate about or find most rewarding? 

Every time we move a participant into their new home, it’s an incredibly rewarding and emotional experience. Now that Anthos|Home’s program is over a year old, we’re starting to see participants graduate from aftercare support services – and that brings a whole new wave of emotion. It’s a major milestone to know someone is ready to live independently, and that we helped set them up for long-term success. I also find a lot of meaning in supporting my coworkers. As a Senior Operations Specialist, I make sure field staff – whether they’re working directly with participants or bringing new landlords into the program – have the tools, information, and systems they need to succeed. Supporting the team behind the scenes is just as fulfilling as supporting program participants. We all succeed together. 

How do you build rapport and trust with residents at the shelter, especially in those first few interactions? 

One thing I’ve learned – especially from working alongside the tenant coordination team – is that many residents come from very different backgrounds, and their experiences may make it difficult to trust others right away. I try to meet each person with the same respect, dignity, and professionalism I’d offer anyone. From the very first interaction, I focus on being consistent, transparent, and kind – making sure my words and actions show that I care, that I’m on their side, and that I’m here to support them without judgment. 

What kind of positive feedback or reactions have you received about your role? 

I’ve been fortunate to be part of an incredible team, and while it’s hard to single out feedback just for myself, I have heard from colleagues and partners that they appreciate my reliability and my ability to keep things moving – especially during high-volume periods like multiple move-ins. Because Anthos|Home’s program is new in the city, people often tell us how vital and overdue this kind of support is. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear that, and it reminds me that every effort – big or small – counts. 

What are your future goals or aspirations, both professionally and personally? 

I’m not entirely sure what the future holds, but I do know I want to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of New Yorkers – especially those impacted by a broken housing system. It’s unacceptable to me that so many native New Yorkers are being pushed into homelessness due to a lack of affordable units, disrepair, skyrocketing rents, and unjust housing policies. These interconnected issues motivate me every day. I hope to continue this fight within my current organization, because I truly believe in its mission and the potential we have to drive systemic change. 

On a personal level, my husband and I were fortunate to purchase a Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) co-op apartment in Brooklyn last year. In a housing market as unpredictable as this one, keeping our family financially stable is a top priority. Most of my free time is spent creating a comfortable home and making sure our 3-year-old has a joyful, full childhood. For now, my personal goals are more short-term and rooted in stability, but they give me the grounding I need to keep pushing forward professionally. 

What is the most important thing to consider when working in the shelter? 

The most important thing to consider when working in the shelter system is maintaining perspective and empathy – especially toward the staff on the ground. In my role, I primarily interact with the people who run shelters, and I’ve come to understand just how many commitments they are balancing. The shelter employees continue doing critical work with limited resources. I approach these relationships with humility and a collaborative mindset. I want shelter staff to know that I see them as partners – we’re working toward the same goal: improving housing outcomes and creating a better New York for everyone.