Mr. Besner began experiencing homelessness after sustaining a traumatic brain injury during an assault. The injury caused significant changes in his personality, behavior, emotional regulation, and ability to communicate. These challenges affected his ability to maintain employment and ultimately led to the loss of his housing. The effects of his injury also made it difficult for him to navigate complex social-service systems without becoming overwhelmed or frustrated.

With nowhere else to go, Mr. Besner frequently slept in City parks and other public spaces, resulting in repeated contact with the City’s Homeless Outreach Team, Parks and Recreation staff, and the Police Department.

The Homeless Outreach Team consistently engaged Mr. Besner through frequent wellness checks and engagements. Team members transported and accompanied him to appointments with the Health Care District and connected him with the medical respite program to help address his healthcare needs and provide a safer, more stable environment for recovery. The team also helped him obtain necessary documentation, access his prescribed medication, and navigate available services.

Through consistent engagement, staff ultimately helped reconnect Mr. Besner with his sister in New Hampshire and coordinated their reunification, creating a pathway out of homelessness and back to family support

Mr. Besner’s story demonstrates that progress is not always immediate or linear. Persistent engagement, individualized support, and strong relationships can create meaningful opportunities for stability—even when traditional service approaches have not been successful.