United Way’s Director of Ending Homelessness, Vince Matulionis, writes about Dan Brettler’s great work and how today was proclaimed to be Dan Brettler day by Mayor Murray. Congratulations Dan!

Today the Committee to End Homelessness officially adopted a new strategic plan to make homelessness in our community rare, brief, and one-time. Today officially brings to an end the original 10-year plan to end homelessness. This is also Dan’s last day as the co-chair of the Committee to End Homelessness’ Governing Board. He is ready to pivot and to engage in new ways.

At the meeting Seattle Mayor Ed Murray proclaimed that today was Dan Brettler Day. The King County Council and County Executive Dow Constantine also recognized Dan. They recognized Dan for his extraordinary commitment to helping end homelessness and ensuring that all members of our community have a roof over head. Dan has been deeply engaged in this effort since before the adoption of the original plan. He has served on the Governing Board of the Committee to End Homelessness since its inception in 2005. Dan has also been deeply involved in United Way of King County as a member of the Out of the Rain Impact Council and then as a member of our Board of Directors.

United Way of King County was one of the founding organizations that created the Committee to End Homelessness. United Way remains steadfast in its belief that homelessness is unacceptable particularly in a community like ours.

Dan’s commitment to this issue has been unwavering. He’s come to the work not because he is paid to do so, not because he’s an elected official and is looking for votes, but because he truly cares for the lives of the most vulnerable members of this community. Despite the difficulty of the task—ending homelessness—Dan has and continues to invest time and resources in helping organizations like United Way end homelessness.

It’s been an honor to work side-by-side with Dan. He’s an inspiration and a reminder of the difference that a single individual can make.