Megan Howell is the Executive Director and founder of Second Heart Homes, a Florida-based 501C3 dedicated to reviving the dignity of the homeless and mental health community through housing, support, and love. After helping a homeless gentleman of 25 years off the streets, her dream has transformed into providing 10 homes (and counting) for over 62 individuals off of the street, all provided without city, state, or federal funding or mortgages.Megan holds a Masters in Psychology and currently serves on the Leadership Council of the SunCoast Partnership to End Homelessness. Her background is in helping those with developmental disabilities, dementia, mental illness, and homelessness. She spent four years working with a similar population in Tokyo for a study that identified multi-cultural differences and commonalities affecting homelessness in Japan and the United States. In addition to being a frequent speaker on the value and challenges in creating programs for the homeless, she is a recognized advocate for community-based support for persons with mental illness.In 2023, Megan was awarded the Sarasota Magazine Unity Award for her work in helping improve the lives of others.https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/news-and-profiles/2023/01/megan-howell-second-heart-sarasotaIn her free time, she enjoys teaching Origami. Her original Origami work has been exhibited at The Ringling Museum. Megan has taken comfort from the Japanese philosophy of “ikigai” which means “find joy in life through purpose.”About Second Heart HomesSecond Heart Homes is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides housing and critical support services to homeless single men and women with mental illness. Our high-touch, tailored-service approach provides housing combined with specialized care that revives dignity, establishes stability, and helps foster their full potential. Clients come to us based on their commitment to address their mental health, remain sober and achieve personal goals toward self-sufficiency. http://www.SecondHeartHomes.orgFollow us here, along with Facebook and Instagram!