I’m Megan Boyd, the founder of Heart of Texas Outreach and a proud Austinite. I’ve worked in homeless services in Austin since 2014, supporting people on the margins through outreach, navigation, and systems-level work.

After nearly a decade in the field, I started Heart of Texas Outreach in 2023 to build something more flexible and people-centered. I wanted to focus on what matters most to me: dignity, follow-through, and the belief that our systems can do better. I was tired of hearing “no” when I wanted to try new ideas, and I felt ready to create space for the kind of work I believe in.

I dropped out of high school during my junior year and spent much of my late teens couch surfing before earning my GED at 19. I later completed both my BSW and MSW at Texas State University—something I’m incredibly proud of.

In my twenties, my mom experienced periods of homelessness while navigating serious mental illness and addiction. That gave me a deeper understanding of how complicated the path to stability can be and reinforced my commitment to supporting people without judgment.

When I was 28, my husband and I adopted my younger sister after her father passed away. That experience further deepened my belief in showing up for people when it matters most.

I was in high school when the opioid crisis hit hard. Losing so many friends to overdose and drug-related deaths shaped my views on addiction, recovery, and the importance of harm reduction. These experiences continue to influence how I show up in this work.

I believe people deserve support without judgment, and that we can’t help anyone if we’re not willing to meet them where they are. I’ve heard people dismiss someone as “just another drug addict,” and my response is always: “Well… I think even ‘drug addicts’ deserve to have a roof over their head.”

Trauma-informed care and harm reduction are central to how I approach this work. I’m always learning, evolving, and trying to show up better: for both clients and the teams I work alongside.

In 2023, I received the City of Austin’s Outreach Leadership Award. I also serve as an intern supervisor when I can…something I take seriously and love doing because I believe in shaping the next generation of change-makers.

I believe everyone deserves to feel seen and supported, and I’ve built Heart of Texas Outreach with that belief at the core of everything we do.

Fun fact about me: I have two 100+ pound dogs that rule my life