My name is Crystal Baker, and I am 41 years old, a mother of two daughters, ages 24 and 18, and the proud owner of three chonky cats. I currently live in Bozeman and have been here full time since January 2020, although much of my life has been spent between Colorado and Montana.

In my current role, I support a team of case managers who work with individuals experiencing homelessness, with a focus on mental health and substance use support. Over the past five years at the nonprofit where I work, I have worn many different hats and have been fortunate to contribute in a variety of ways that support both our clients and our team.

I was originally drawn to this work through my own lived experience. I experienced prolonged periods of homelessness throughout different stages of my life, beginning in childhood. I also struggled with mental health and substance use for many years. In December 2025, I celebrated six years in recovery, a milestone that continues to shape both my personal life and the work I do every day.

I am incredibly excited and honored to be part of this group through the National Alliance to End Homelessness. I believe that people with lived experience bring an important perspective to these conversations, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help create meaningful change across our communities.