Abby Sypek | Community Engagement Manager
Abby has served as Everyone Home DC’s Community Engagement Manager since 2015. She leads our systems change work in ending homelessness, works closely with our faith community partners, and implements our Street Outreach program, which includes the a strong team of dedicated volunteers who make up the Homelessness Assistance Response Team (HART). Abby oversees a team of one full-time staff and three year-long service corps members. Previously, she worked as a Case Manager and Project Coordinator with Friendship Place’s Permanent Supportive Housing program, working with both individuals and families. Abby received her master’s degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago and bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. She currently serves on the Steering Committee for The Way Home Campaign to end chronic homelessness in Washington, D.C. Learn a little more about Abby, through her own words:
Describe working at Everyone Home DC in 3 words.
AS: Warm, collaborative, and open-minded.
What story about a individual or family who has worked with Everyone Home DC has stuck with you most?
AS: In 2017, our Street Outreach team housed one of the individuals we worked with who was chronically homeless in Capitol Hill, who had previously been averse to housing. (It is rare that our team works with individuals who are resistant to housing, but this person had their reasons.) Overtime, as our team listened to what the person wanted and built trust with the individual, we were able to find a housing intervention that he was excited about and he moved into a unit in a Permanent Supportive Housing Program.
What keeps you motivated to come to work every day?
AS: I feel valued at Everyone Home DC so it makes coming to work easy. I know the work we are doing together is both important and having an impact in our community, so I feel like I am a part of something special!
What do you wish other people knew about people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness?
AS: People do not chose to be homeless. People are homeless because of systemic racism and oppression.
On a Sunday morning you will find me…
AS: Watching CBS Sunday Morning–it’s the best show on tv!
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
AS: I really wish I could sew. My grandmother was very talented with her sewing machine and I regret that I never had her teach me. She had a flair for style and was able to create really gorgeous fashions and I wish I was able to do that as well.
What is your favorite thing to do in Washington, D.C.?
AS: Seeing the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress and all of our National Monuments will never get old to me, especially at night. Coming down East Capitol Street and seeing the Capitol Building is pretty thrilling, and I can actually see the the tippy top of it from my desk!
What is something that people reading this may not know about you?
AS: I love NBA basketball. My two favorite teams are the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bull. My favorite player of all time is Allen Iverson!
What is the last thing you watched on Netflix (and enjoyed)?
AS: I watch a lot of Netflix. Some of my go-to shows are The West Wing, Parks and Rec, The Great British Baking Show and I love the Queer Eye reboot!
