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 mssion to be a part of the solution and so True West Homes, a grassroots 501c3 Non-Profit Organization was founded with the vision 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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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. 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.

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​Still very active in her community, Ms. West currently serves as a member of the Board of Director of YWCA of Greater Cleveland, which allows her to give back and be a positive influence in the community. Ms. West has been a member of the Homeless Congress for over 10 years advocating for the rights of the homeless for Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. In 2011 they 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," in addition to being a Street Voices Speaker. She has volunteered for West Side Catholic Center and other organizations throughout Cleveland. 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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