Sheri West is all too familiar with the homeless population in Greater Cleveland and the surrounding communities; she lived it. Being a victim of homelessness has had a profound impact on her life. She saw firsthand the negative effect homelessness had on the lives of those families and their children. When it came time to exit the homeless shelter she struggled to find affordable housing in her demographics. With her passion and desire to always help people less fortunate she did not want other homeless individuals to go through the struggles she experienced. Fueled by this desire she made it her goal to be a part of the solution and so True West Homes was founded with the mission of improving lives and giving hope for individuals, families and youth aging out of foster care by providing decent affordable housing in addition to supportive assistance. 

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Her story captured national attention when her home was foreclosed on during the housing crisis in 2008. She was featured on the front page of The New York Times, Belt Magazine, Travis Smiley Radio Show, WCPN Ideal Stream Radio Show and Fox 8 News…in addition to her portrait being displayed on a mural draping the building of the Salvation Army Harbor Lights.

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Ms. West is a mother of 3 who enjoys smooth jazz and ballroom dancing. She works as a Home Health Aide and is still very active in her community. Ms. West has been a member of the Homeless Congress for 10 years advocating for the rights of the homeless. In 2011 NEOCH recognized her for having the courage to testify before the County Council in an effort to improve the conditions within the shelters, her work with Homeless Congress and her willingness to serve those experiencing housing insecurities in Cleveland. She has written for the local homeless newspaper, "The Street Chronicle" and is a Street Voices Speaker for NEOCH. She has volunteered for homeless organizations throughout Cleveland. Ms. West is currently a Board Member of the YWCA of Greater Cleveland and on the task force of The City Mission, which allows her to give back and be a positive influence in the community. With her busy schedule she still found time to apply for Tri-C Bio-Science Technology course and earned a certificate in Pharmaceutical Drug Manufacturing.

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Being a former Group Home owner and operator, caring for and providing affordable housing to Mentally-Ill men, she is sensitive to the needs of the disadvantaged population and helped to improve their quality of life while remaining true to the mission. Ms. West knows from experience and has first hand knowledge that homelessness does not discriminate. We all know someone directly or indirectly who have been a victim of homelessness. It can happen to anyone at anytime that’s why her vision for True West Homes is to be recognized as the leading model for an Affordable Community Housing Program to assist the underserved population.  By turning the tide towards affordable housing and bringing it back into mainstream America we will be creating stability, security and support, so the underserved population can start rebuilding, restoring and renewing their lives. Ms. West believe it is a fundamental human right that every person has decent affordable housing. She is committing her time and efforts to make it a reality.