Meet Our West LA Homeless Leadership Team

Dec 29

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Gandhi

Each month, we introduce one member of our dynamic team of volunteers. To learn more about how you can become a part of the mission of WLAH, visit our website.

Deep Dive with WLAH Board Chairman and CEO Sean McMillan

Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself.

A: With my family residing in the Westwood and Rancho Park neighborhoods, for nearly 100 years, I am a local’s local. I am deeply committed to making our home a safer and more resourceful community for all stakeholders. I serve on the Westside Neighborhood Council as Residential Seat #9 and as Homelessness Issues Committee Chair. I am on the founding board of the Westwood Neighborhood Greenway, and co-own several community businesses, most notably Heyler Realty. I live in Rancho Park with my wife Jill and have raised 4 children in this community.

Q: How did you become involved with WLAH?

A: Originally it was through the efforts of community members that attended Neighborhood Council meetings who sought effective outreach to our unhoused population. I am one of the co-creators of WLAH.

Q: Why are you committed to the mission of WLAH and the work being done to serve the homeless within our community?

A: I know the homeless crisis firsthand, and I know what it means to be at the mercy of other people's kindness and compassion. I also have experienced the grace of someone who made an effort for the benefit of those in need when they needed it the most. The work that WLAH does has had an immediate and notable positive impact on helping those unhoused in our community in need, and seeing how effective it is, inspires me more.

Q: What would you say to someone who is considering becoming involved with WLAH?

A: WLAH is a multifaceted approach to addressing the humanitarian crisis of homelessness. Our collaborative board's approach is designed to be inclusive and proactive. We look for individuals that are committed to being a resource for those who are in need of compassion, understanding and hope.

Q: What is one positive gift you've received from being involved with WLAH?

A: Being able to meaningfully connect with our clients, and getting to see the person get from under the stigma and restore a sense of personal dignity.

Q: Are there any additional thoughts or comments you would like to share?

A: I like this quote from Robert Frost: "You've got to be brave and you've got to be bold. Brave enough to take your chance on your own discrimination - what's right and what's wrong, what's good and what's bad.”

We thank Sean McMillan for sharing his gifts and talents with our community! To learn how you can be a part of our dynamic team of community leaders, visit WLAH.org/Volunteer.