Meet David Belvis, Front Steps’ Case Manager!
Meet Mr. Belvis, a Marine Corps veteran, father of four, and dedicated case manager at Front Steps. Drawing from his own experiences of struggle and transition, he now supports veterans experiencing homelessness with empathy, consistency, and a deep belief that no one should face life’s hardest seasons alone.
Q&A Interview:
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- Can you share a little about yourself and your professional background?
I was born in Puerto Rico and raised in San Diego California since I was about a year and a half. I’m a Marine Corps veteran and a sociology graduate from San Diego State University with a minor in social and personality psychology. I’ve been married for 15 years, and I’m a father of four daughters, so a lot of my life has been about balancing family, responsibility, and long-term goals.
Professionally, I’ve worked in a few different lanes. Early on, I got my start in the nonprofit world at Devereux Florida as a direct care professional. Being in that environment and working closely with case managers was a turning point for me. I really connected with the work they were doing day to day, and that’s when I first knew I wanted to be in social services, specifically in case management.
On the way to getting here, life happened. Marriage, kids, and providing came first, so I built a long career in security. I spent about ten years in security, with around eight of those years in leadership and management roles. Even while I was doing that work, I always knew I wanted to come back to social services.
- What drew you to this kind of work, and how did you get started in the field of social services?
What drew me to this kind of work was my life in general, my struggles growing up, my early experiences with my parents, and knowing what it feels like to be overlooked. I know what it’s like to need somebody in your corner and not always have that, and that stayed with me.
Because of that, I always knew I wanted to be a father one day and have my chance to be in my own kids’ corner. Beyond my own family, I also wanted to be there for other kids who were missing that, kids who needed someone who genuinely cared, someone who was looking out for their best interests, and someone to help them navigate this thing called life.
As far as how I got started, Devereux Florida was my introduction to the nonprofit sector and social services. That’s where it clicked for me. Working there and interacting with case managers showed me the direction I wanted to go long-term. I knew I wanted to be part of this work for the rest of my life and eventually move into a role that fit my personality and strengths, which is why case management became the goal.
- What inspired you to join Front Steps and take on your role as a case manager?
What really drew me to Front Steps was the veteran aspect of the work. When I got out of the military, that transition wasn’t easy for me. I wasn’t the easiest person to deal with at the time, and while my parents and family tried the best they could, they weren’t always able to understand what I was going through. That disconnect created tension, and at one point I found myself sleeping in my car.
I know what it feels like to come out of the military lost and confused, without clear direction or immediate support. I know what it’s like to feel your support system pull away because they don’t understand your struggles and you don’t quite know how to explain what’s happening inside you. That breakdown in communication can turn into chaos very quickly.
Because of that, the work Front Steps does with unhoused and homeless veterans really resonated with me. Being able to support veterans in that space, and to do it as a case manager, felt like everything I’ve been working toward. It’s personal, meaningful work, and it’s why I was genuinely excited to join Front Steps.
- How have your personal and professional experiences shaped your approach to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness?
My personal experiences have shaped my approach more than anything else. I’ve been in places in my life where I felt lost, unsupported, and unsure of where I was headed, especially after leaving the military. I know how quickly things can unravel when your support system breaks down and when you feel like you’re navigating everything on your own.
My professional experiences have taught me the importance of consistency, accountability, and follow-through. I’ve learned that trust isn’t built through words, it’s built by showing up and doing what you say you’re going to do.
Because of that, I approach clients without judgment or assumptions. I understand that homelessness is rarely about one moment or one decision, but about layers of trauma, instability, and system failures over time. I try to meet people where they are and help them regain a sense of stability and control. At the end of the day, I try to be the person I needed at different points in my own life.
- Outside of work, what are some hobbies, interests, or activities you enjoy?
Since moving to Texas, I haven’t really done as many of the things I used to enjoy. I don’t know if it’s the heat, finally having a good-sized house to call home, or just being in a different phase of life, but I find myself spending more time at home, relaxing, watching TV, and playing with my toddler, and I’m okay with that (for now).
Before Texas, I spent a lot more time in the gym, hiking, and going to the movies. I really love cinema and took a cinema class in college that changed how I appreciate film across different genres and eras. I also love art museums and natural history museums. My favorite artists are Gustav Klimt and Pablo Picasso. My favorite Picasso piece is Guernica, and my favorite Klimt painting is The Family, the one with the husband, wife, and infant embracing each other.
I also enjoy rec league sports, especially softball. I used to play in a work softball league at Devereux, and I had a lot of fun doing that. I’d love to see something like that started at Front Steps someday.
Your “Why”
- What motivates you to continue doing this work, even on challenging days?
Honestly, I love what I do. There isn’t a day where I wake up and think, “I have to go to work, this sucks.” I worked extremely hard to get here, and I don’t take that for granted.
No matter how challenging a day at work might be, the challenges I faced to get here far exceed the hardest day on the job. Because of that, I’m able to keep things in perspective. I know why I’m here, and I know the purpose behind the work. That’s what keeps me motivated.
- Can you share a moment or experience with a client that deeply impacted you or shifted your perspective?
My very first client had a big impact on me. When I introduced myself, I told him he was going to be my first client. He responded by saying he wanted to set the standard for my clients going forward, and that really touched me.
It felt like we both showed up with the same mindset. I wanted to be the best case manager I could be for my first client, and he wanted to be the best client for his new case manager. I felt genuinely grateful for that experience. It was a meaningful introduction to the field and something I’ll never forget. It felt like a moment of acknowledgment for all the work and perseverance it took to get here.
Impact & Mission
- How do you define success in your role?
I define success on a daily basis. It’s not always about big milestones or dramatic outcomes. If I have a good interaction with a client, if they have what they need for the day, and if their growth moves forward, even by a centimeter, that’s a success.
A lot of this work is slow and not always linear. Sometimes success looks like a client showing up, making a call they’ve been avoiding, or feeling a little more supported than they did the day before. Those small wins matter, and over time, they’re what lead to real, lasting change.
- What do you wish more people understood about the realities of housing instability or homelessness in Austin?
I wish more people understood that housing instability is far more complex than the political rhetoric and noise that gets thrown around. It’s not something that can be reduced to simple labels or assumptions.
In most cases, housing instability comes from years of trauma, abuse, instability, and lack of support. It’s tied to family dynamics, cultural environments, and societal systems that don’t always align with a person’s personality or needs. It’s unfair to reduce homelessness to ideas like laziness or giving up. This issue is layered, complicated, and deeply human.
Looking Forward
- Is there a particular skill or area of expertise you’re eager to grow in while working here?
Right now, everything about case management is still new for me, and I’m really just soaking in the entire experience. I wouldn’t say there’s one specific area I’m fixated on at the moment.
I’m beyond grateful to be here and excited to be doing this work. For now, I’m focused on learning, building relationships, and growing naturally through the experience rather than rushing toward a specialization.
- What message or piece of advice would you like to share with our community or the neighbors we serve?
Don’t give up on yourself. Your current situation doesn’t define who you are or where you’re capable of going. Struggling doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re human.
Progress can be slow, and it’s not always easy to see while you’re in it, but even small steps matter. Keep showing up for yourself, keep asking for help when you need it, and remember that you’re not alone, even when it feels that way.
- Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers that they don’t already know about you?
If there’s one thing I’d share, it’s this: just be good to one another. Life is hard, and being human is hard. Most people are carrying things you’ll never fully see or understand.
A little empathy goes a long way. Taking the time to listen, to understand, and to show compassion instead of judgment can make a real difference. Kindness doesn’t cost anything, but it can mean everything.