VA Homeless Programs

Mary Pico, LICSW

HUD-VASH Senior Social Worker

Mary Pico was nominated by Frances Beard, Community Employment Coordinator (CEC), for the 2021 SW Appreciation Month

Workplace & VISN

Puget Sound American Lake Division, VISN 20

Why did you become a social worker? What do you like about working in homeless programs?

I stumbled into social work as a young adult but fell in love with the field during lectures and class discussions. I started working with the homeless population after graduation and have never left the field. I was fortunate enough to start my career with an organization that showed me the power of housing first and harm reduction models, and I have built a career around putting these models into action. You cannot make positive change without housing, and this work allows me to make an impact on individual’s lives. The VA has the resources to address homelessness and I am empowered to help Veterans get into housing.

What do you do for fun? Favorite Quote? What else would you like to share about yourself?

I love to spend time with my family and go outdoors. We enjoy hiking, kayaking, and playing with the dogs. When there isn’t a pandemic, I love “non-essential” activities like going to dinner with friends and traveling.

“The only way I know what I really believe is by keeping watch over what I do.” —Sister Helen Prejean