FrontLiner Profiles: Macayla Dowling

“I have been extremely fortunate to have stable housing and a strong support system throughout my entire life. I am a firm believer that everyone deserves to have safe housing where they truly feel at home.” 

Macayla Dowling is a case manager for Permanent Supportive Housing and has worked at FrontLine Service since June 2022. 

How did you first learn about FrontLine Service?   

I was on the verge of graduating college and knew I wanted to work with people experiencing homelessness, so I searched for jobs in relation to that on Indeed. When I read the job description for the Outreach Worker role, it was exactly what I was looking for and I knew I belonged at FrontLine. 

What is your current role? What are your basic job responsibilities?    

In my new role as a case manager at the Buckeye Square Permanent Supportive Housing building, I provide supportive services to individuals who experienced chronic homelessness prior to living in the building and have a severe mental health or substance use diagnosis. I promote a safe and stable environment to clients while they adjust to maintaining housing. I also assist clients with developing social and daily living skills, accessing community resources, and managing mental/physical health and substance use. 

What do people often misunderstand about your work or the people you work with?   

When I explain my role to other people, they often say, “That is such a thankless job,” when that’s really not the case at all. My clients are constantly expressing their gratitude and appreciation for me. I also don’t think most people realize how many barriers our clients truly face. They are quick to stigmatize people experiencing homelessness while ignoring the roots of the problem that are deeply embedded within our systems and institutions. 

What is your favorite part of your job?   

My favorite part of my job is engaging with my clients. I love building rapport with them and learning about their interests and goals. I like to ask what kind of music they listen to and play their favorite songs in my car while transporting them. Sometimes, we are the only people our clients engage with every day, so I do everything I can to develop a safe space and ensure they have someone who will listen to them and view them as a human being rather than just the challenges they experience. 

What is the hardest part of your job?   

The hardest part of my job is navigating our clients through barrier after barrier. For example, if our clients’ legal documents get stolen, they require a social security card to obtain an ID. However, an ID is required to obtain a social security card. Working through these trials with my clients is where I have refined my advocacy skills, and it gives me a better perspective on what they persist through. 

What do you do to practice resiliency?   

I practice resiliency by running and socializing with my favorite people. Running has always been a great way to clear my head and cope with challenging days. I run almost every day after work and have found it extremely beneficial. I’ve developed wonderful relationships with my coworkers at FrontLine and really enjoy talking and laughing with them. It’s relieving to know I will always find support in the people around me. 

What would you say to someone who is interested in working at FrontLine?   

I would tell them that they will learn so much about homelessness in relation to intersectionality, advocacy, community resources, systemic flaws, and themselves! I am constantly faced with new scenarios to navigate and coming across new resources that will benefit our clients. 

FrontLiner Profiles reflect the views of the person interviewed.  
They do not necessarily reflect the view of FrontLine Service.