May We Introduce you?
Updated: May 10, 2021
John Gaona is the Finance Manager at Dorothy Day House. Initially volunteering for us before we were a full-time shelter, John joined us in 2017. Prior to working for Dorothy Day House, John worked for a grocery chain in their Corporate Advertising Office for 23 years.
"I was always very service oriented,” says Gaona, “But I never imagined I would end up working for a homeless shelter.”
“I had been sleeping outside for a while, and that’s how I became acquainted with Dorothy Day House – when it was still a seasonal shelter,” he continued, “I was really grateful for the services they provided and started volunteering to give back – and I have been here ever since.”
John has become a beloved staple of the Dorothy Day House team – with his role evolving into his current position.
“I like the work I am doing – it’s that simple,” says Gaona, “It’s rewarding on a different level. Dorothy Day House gives me the opportunity to truly see others and reach them in a way that I wouldn’t be able to elsewhere.”
When he is not working to make sure our guests have everything they need – John spends his time meditating, reading, and watching documentaries.