Gaelen — Creating Joy Through Connection

A natural people person, Gaelen Coleman has always loved connecting with others and hearing their stories. While studying at Northeastern University, she shifted from history and political science to human services, where one of her first courses explored homelessness in Boston. That class sparked her interest and soon led her to Pine Street Inn, where she began as a volunteer and engagement co-op.

“I love talking to people — this job felt perfect for me,” Gaelen shares. “I remember how natural it felt to connect with Pine Street’s mission and the people here.” After graduating, Gaelen joined Pine Street full-time as the coordinator of engagement and events.

In her role, Gaelen supports volunteer engagement and plans special events like Home Remedy and Graduation. “I help make sure volunteers are available for dinner service and bingo at the shelters. I also give tours to our partners and spread Pine Street’s mission. People are often surprised to hear about all the services we offer — not just emergency shelter.”

“My favorite part of my job is interacting with guests and working with volunteers at the shelters,” says Gaelen. “A shelter guest at Yawkey House recently came up to us during bingo and said it was the most fun she’d had in a long time. It’s great to be part of making someone’s day better — especially when they are going through a lot.

For Gaelen, it all comes back to connection. “It’s easy to feel isolated when you’re experiencing homelessness, but places like Pine Street are here to help,” she says. “When we build community, we can take on big challenges like homelessness together.”