We spoke with Rahdel Sharbaan, Associate Director at the Gates Avenue Transitional Residence, about his day-to-day responsibilities, what brought him to this work, and what inspires him to keep going.
HSU: Can you share a bit about your background and how you became involved in working at The Doe Fund?
RS: It’s been a full-circle journey for me to The Doe Fund.
My father was a graduate of Ready, Willing & Able, The Doe Fund’s signature program. My father and I had a challenging history; I didn’t meet him in person until I was 15, during his bout with drug abuse. We barely stayed in contact… until years later, when I was experiencing incarceration. He visited me, now clean and sober, and told me about how The Doe Fund helped him turn his life around. I knew I wanted something better for myself — but until that moment, I didn’t know who I could turn to or where I could go for help.
I left incarceration in 2016 and, one month later, joined Ready, Willing & Able. I told my father I didn’t want any special treatment, so we kept the fact that I was his son secret. The following year, I was hired on The Doe Fund’s staff — which inspired me to keep advancing myself both personally and professionally. So, I enrolled at Bronx Community College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services. Now, I’m proud to carry on my father’s legacy in the same position he held at The Doe Fund. My father passed away in 2020, and I honor his memory every day by helping others reclaim their lives — just like we did, through Ready, Willing & Able.
What does a typical day look like for you at the shelter?
My day starts with correspondence from the staff about our residents, reviewing everything from the progress they’ve made in career training classes to any extra support that they may need or challenges they’re facing. It’s my job to make sure we celebrate their successes and uplift those who are struggling. And that’s exactly what I spend the rest of the day doing: connecting with residents to make sure they maintain their Individual Living Plans, get the social services they need, and stay on the right path.
How do you build rapport and trust with residents at the shelter, especially in those first few interactions?
A few things I do:
- Always exercise empathy toward the residents of our facility. Homelessness is a traumatic experience, and I do my best to support their journeys with understanding and guidance.
- Always remember — and share with the residents — that not so long ago I was in their exact same shoes. I really make sure they understand we are here to help them, and that they are so much more than a number. I tell them that as long as you put in the work, we will help you through your barriers.
- Always be accessible. It’s not just about face-to-face time during scheduled meetings. I engage with the residents in the cafeteria, outside during smoke breaks, wherever I can meet them where they are.