It is with great honor that we present Hannah O’Halloran of the Class of 2016 with the Young Alumni Achievement Award. As a dedicated professional in the field of homelessness services, Hannah’s work has been nothing short of transformational, both for the individuals she serves and for the community as a whole.

Hannah began her journey at the Somerville Homeless Coalition immediately after graduating from Saint Anselm College. At that time, there was no street outreach program in Somerville, Massachusetts and the organization's capacity to assist the community’s most vulnerable was minimal. However, through sheer determination and an unwavering commitment to those in need, Hannah changed the landscape of services for the homeless in Somerville. 

Starting as a Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager, Hannah advocated tirelessly for the chance to work directly with individuals experiencing street homelessness. Despite having only four hours a week initially to dedicate to street outreach, her passion and persistence led to the creation of a full-time street outreach position. As her influence grew, so did the impact of the street outreach program. 

Hannah was eventually promoted to Emergency Services Manager, where she oversaw both the street outreach program and the Adult and Family Shelters at the Somerville Homeless Coalition. Under her leadership, the outreach team grew from one person to four, and most notably, last July, Somerville opened its first and only Engagement Center for the unsheltered—a project Hannah was instrumental in developing. She dedicated countless hours to finding funding, securing a location, and building policies that would best serve the needs of the unhoused.

Hannah’s work goes beyond her professional accomplishments. Her tireless work has changed the lives of countless individuals, and she continues to inspire those around her with her unwavering commitment to justice and care for the marginalized. Just eight years into her career, she has already accomplished more than many could hope to achieve in a lifetime. The impact she has made is immeasurable, and her work continues to save lives, house the unhoused, and bring hope to those who need it most.