Community Service Officer David Coan believes the most effective public safety work often starts with empathy. In partnership with Catholic Charities of Oregon, he helps connect people experiencing homelessness with the support and resources that can change the course of their lives.
David Coan grew up in Portland and enlisted in the U.S. Navy straight out of high school, serving as a cryptologic technician with deployments at sea. After leaving the military, he became the first in his immediate family to finish college, earning a degree in social science focused on sociology, community development, and law enforcement.
Today, David works as a Community Service Officer and partners with organizations like Catholic Charities of Oregon to support people who are unhoused or at risk of losing housing. His approach centers on communication, empathy, and connecting people with the resources they need to stay safe and stable.
Name: David Coan
Role with Catholic Charities: Partner
Year you first connected with Catholic Charities: 2024
How did you hear about Catholic Charities of Oregon, and what prompted you to get involved? I became aware of Catholic Charities when they took ownership of the Good Shepherd Village apartments here in Happy Valley where I work as a Community Service Officer. I help run a program called the Apartment Safe Neighborhood Initiative (ASNI). ASNI was created when the city recognized the unique challenges presented to apartment communities, challenges like proximity to neighbors, the transient nature of tenants, concerns of crime and ordinance violations etc. Together we help to provide training and resources to our apartment Community managers, employees, and residents. We recognized a need for a more active role with the Good Shepherd community and conduct bi-weekly meetings with management. We’ve developed a cohesive team that oftentimes tackle challenges that contribute to the overall livability of the community.
What does being part of Catholic Charities/Catholic Social Teaching mean to you personally? To me, Catholic Charities really comes down to treating people with dignity and recognizing that everyone deserves stability and a safe place to live. In my work with the Apartment Safe Neighborhood Initiative, I interact with a lot of different communities, including residents who are going through difficult circumstances. What stands out to me about Catholic Charities is the focus on helping people in a compassionate way.
What’s one story or moment from your time with Catholic Charities that you’ll never forget? About a year and a half ago Catholic Charites hosted a BBQ and invited residents, community members, and city staff to come together. It was simple, but it was meaningful to see the various groups coming together to interact in a way they don’t normally interact in. A lot of times the work we all do seems like a transaction. That event reminded me that when people do spend time together as people it can build trust and understanding.
What activities, situations or people most inspire you? I’m inspired by those that use their station to serve others. People that have the means to do so much for themselves but still choose to utilize those means to enrich the lives of others. That mindset, putting the wellbeing of the community of personal gain is what makes the real differences in the world. In my role I’m inspired by people in service roles, whether that is housing staff, social workers, or volunteers who show up daily and still do their best for those in need.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved—whether through volunteering, donating or seeking support? Know your resources and build a solid network of providers. I almost never have the answer, but over the years I’ve cultivated a network of providers in housing, outreach, addiction services etc. that do have an answer. Also ensure your mental health is in check, I’m not ashamed to admit that I see a therapist every Friday and it really does help.
What’s your favorite book, movie, TV show, podcast or social media account—and why? (Pick one!) That’s a tough one, but I’d say my favorite form of media is a book called Detroit: An American Autopsy by Charlie LeDuff. I read it years ago for a sociology class in college and it stuck with me more than almost anything else I’ve read. What I loved about it is how it blends a personal memoir with the larger economic and social struggles of Detroit. It shows the politics, the systemic issues, and the human side of a city that is battered and bruised but won’t quite fade away and the resilience of the people who refuse to give up on it.
What’s on your personal “bucket list”—something you still hope to do, learn or experience? While in the military I visited many countries and enjoyed learning about cultures and people, but I never was able to visit Africa. My dream is to go to Africa and take part in an African Safari. We live in this world that is increasingly altered by human influence. To see a part of the world where the goal is to prevent human influence would be humbling.