Drawing on Experience, Driving Change: Kraig’s Journey at THN

Kraig Blaize-Fiero’s connection to Texas Homeless Network began unexpectedly. As a teenager navigating homelessness and addiction, he learned firsthand how challenging it can be to find support. Years later, when he discovered THN through community service, he recognized immediately how meaningful the organization’s work could be for people facing the kinds of challenges he once did.

A Texas native, Kraig started as a volunteer, dedicating more than three years to community service before serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA member from 2010 to 2012. In that role, he partnered with homeless coalitions across Central Texas, helping raise awareness of local needs and coordinating Point in Time surveys to ensure communities had accurate information about homelessness in their area.

Today, as THN’s Operations Coordinator, Kraig has supported more than 5,000 referrals, connecting individuals and families with critical resources. He sees this work as both grounding and motivating.

“It keeps me rooted,” he says. “It reminds me of how far I’ve come and allows me to give that hope back that was given to me.”

Kraig sees THN’s mission in action daily: “We help those who help the homeless. We’re the voice for people who don’t have one, and we provide the back-end support so front-line organizations can do what they do best.”

Across all 214 Texas counties, THN works to strengthen the systems that prevent and end homelessness: from coordinating the statewide Point in Time Count, to organizing the annual statewide Homelessness Conference, to hosting Homelessness Awareness Day at the Capitol. Kraig plays a key role in ensuring these efforts run smoothly and serve the communities that rely on them.

His path, from lived experience to leadership, reflects the commitment at the heart of THN: connecting communities, improving systems, and helping make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. While continuing his studies in Social Work at Austin Community College, Kraig remains dedicated to expanding the support he can offer others.

Your support this holiday season helps sustain THN’s work and empowers staff like Kraig to connect thousands of Texans with life-changing resources.