Mr.Dabney’s story begins in Philadelphia, weaves through Alaska, and eventually finds its way to Austin, Texas. It’s a journey shaped by unexpected reunions, loss, and resilience—ultimately leading him to the support he needed through Front Steps and the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.
“I followed my son’s mother to Alaska back in the ‘80s,” Mr. Dabney shared. “We weren’t together long, but I stayed in Alaska for 30 years.” In 2020, she called out of the blue, offering him a $100 plane ticket to Texas. “She was worried about my health, those long winters. I said, hit the button. Next thing I knew, I had five hours to get to the airport.”
After spending time in Texas and reconnecting with old friends, Sean considered returning home to Philadelphia—until he saw images of unrest near his grandmother’s neighborhood on the news. “I called my grandmother, and she told me not to come. She passed later that year,” he recalled. “By then, I didn’t even recognize my city anymore. Philly didn’t feel like home.”
After the loss of his grandmother in 2020, and with family ties fractured, Mr. Dabney began to feel the weight of being truly alone. By 2021, he was living under a bridge in Austin, trying to find peace in the middle of instability. “I’m a writer. I like to understand places and people,” he said. “But being homeless changes how you see everything. People don’t treat you the same. Even if you’re just trying to grab food or take a stroll to clear your head.”
Eventually, he was connected to the Front Steps SSVF program, which provides housing support for homeless veterans in Austin. Still, the process wasn’t without skepticism.
“When I first walked into Front Steps again, I was like, ‘Here we go.’ Ms. Trina kept saying, ‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression,’” Mr. Dabney said with a laugh. “I was exhausted, but I did the intake.”
He credits the commitment and patience of his case managers, Anthony and Ms. Trina, for helping him through. “At first, Anthony felt like he was hounding me. I wasn’t used to having someone in my corner like that. But he always had the answers—quick, clear. I respected that,” Sean said. “And when I was struggling to submit a housing application online, Ms. Trina sat with me and reminded me to breathe. The next morning, I woke up to an email: ‘You have a new lease assignment.’ That was less than 24 hours later.”
As a U.S. Army veteran who served for nearly two years, Mr. Dabney is now housed, safe, and rebuilding his life with a new sense of purpose.
“I’m still a loner, but I care about people,” he said. “When someone’s having a rough day, I want to help. I know what it’s like to feel invisible.”
Mr. Dabney’s journey is a powerful reminder that housing is healing, and that no one—especially our veterans—should have to navigate homelessness alone.
Support Our Work
Front Steps is committed to ending homelessness in Austin through outreach, housing assistance, and wraparound services. Stories like Sean’s are possible because of supporters like you.
Learn more about the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program
Donate today to help veterans like Sean find a place to call home