Marla Doane — Committed to Making a Difference

Marla Doane, Pine Street Inn’s regional director of housing support services, has been an integral part of the organization’s growth. With nearly 36 years of dedication to ending homelessness, Marla has managed housing locations in Jamaica Plain, Brookline, and several others, helping to shape Pine Street’s transformative housing initiatives.

“I first heard about Pine Street in the classified ads in 1989,” says Marla. “The organization’s work sparked my interest, and my first job at Pine Street became a weekend counselor.”

Throughout the years, Marla held different roles, such as case management and, eventually, as a regional director of supportive housing. “I loved being a counselor, but my passion is helping people maintain housing and supporting them from homelessness to housing,” says Marla.

“The biggest change I’ve seen is how much we’ve grown as an organization,” says Marla. “When I first learned that Pine Street was going to open supportive housing, I knew it was needed for people to move on from homelessness. People need to be in a safe place and not worry about sleeping on the streets or where their next meal is coming from.”

“It’s been rewarding to see the changes from 200 staff to more than 600, and operating 1,100 units of housing,” she says. “Pine Stret is a pillar of the community and has stayed focused on its mission to end homelessness.”

“Over the years, I’ve seen the staff I’ve hired become mentors and strong team members. I see the difference they make in tenants’ lives,” Marla says. “We’re always looking for ways to improve, and it’s their compassion, empathy and collaboration that sets Pine Street apart.”

“Growing alongside Pine Street has been one of my biggest accomplishments,” concludes Marla. “Everybody deserves a second, third or fourth chance. You put your heart and soul into your work, and you meet people where they’re at.”