A Steadfast Advocate: Judith’s Journey

FamilyAid empowers children and parents facing homelessness to secure and sustain housing—and since 2013, Judith Cohen has been a cornerstone of that mission.

As a Housing Specialist, Judith works alongside case managers to address barriers to housing for the more than 1,500 children and parents living in FamilyAid’s temporary housing each year. Her goal: ensure every family has a safe place to land when their shelter stay ends.

“I look at the whole family—no one is in shelter because life is easy,” she says. “Many are facing incredible challenges beyond poverty or housing instability: kids on the spectrum or serious medical conditions like cancer or heart disease. We meet their needs in the moment and set them up for long-term stability.”

Judith’s role has grown significantly during her tenure. As one of the agency’s longest-serving staff members, she’s taken on increased responsibility as FamilyAid’s reach has expanded nearly fourfold. She blends practical housing support with deep-rooted advocacy and helps families navigate complex service systems.

Her path to human services began unexpectedly, sparked by a neighbor who worked in the field. As she met more people and learned about the family shelter system in Massachusetts, she found herself drawn to the work—where she quickly discovered her calling.

Over the years, she’s helped hundreds of children and parents transition out of homelessness. A few moments stay close to her heart: “There’s a mom I worked with years ago. We got her and her daughters into subsidized housing, and I still run into her on the T. She tells me, ‘You really made a difference in our lives.’”

“I love working at FamilyAid,” she says. “Though the work can be challenging, there’s no better provider in the state. If anyone can make the system work, it’s our team.”

“Whether supporting a family fleeing violence or celebrating a housing placement, Judith brings persistence, empathy, and heart to every case,” says President & CEO Larry Seamans.