Renaissance Man

CAMBRIDGE, MA — For our latest installment of our staff profile series, we were lucky to connect with Felix Rust to hear more about his journey to becoming a Specialized Housing Program manager and live-in staff, alongside his wife, children, and many house members over the past 20 years. His personal connection to the work and dedication to our organization is something we are incredibly grateful for.

You have an unusual history with Specialized Housing. Would you tell us the story of how you got involved with SHI, and what roles you have played within the organization?

I had a sister nine years older than I who had Mosaic Down Syndrome. I was her guardian and was lucky enough to come across Specialized Housing when I was looking for a home for her near us in Boston. She lived in the SHI Arlington house and spent the best five years of her life being independent, working three jobs, bugging all the shopkeepers in Arlington Center and Harvard Square, and hanging out with her friends in the house. Tragically, she died, and David and Chuck asked if I would want to work for Specialized Housing. They had given so much to my sister and I love the precepts by which the company exists, so it just felt exactly right. I am now the manager and my family is the live-in staff of the Porter Square house. I have worked there for twenty years. I now also work part-time at seven other houses, as well as an individual apartment program.

Take us through a typical work day.

On my busiest of days, I make sure all my residents at Porter Square are set for work and have meds, breakfast, etc. Then I go to an apartment program in Brookline and help a resident meal plan, and then grocery shop. Then I go to another house in Brookline, check in on the residents there and work for four hours or so. Then, off to another house in Newton, where I cook dinner for the residents there and spend the night. My wife also works for Specialized Housing and takes care of our house when I’m away at others.

What is the most inspiring part of your work at SHI?

Gosh, so many things. It’s inspiring work. But watching the cycle is the best part—the residents first gain access to true independence and are excited and free. Then, they become acclimated, get jobs, and contribute to living in their home with roommates. Then they spend twenty years solidifying the concept of real home ownership and they mature and age in a place that is truly home with roommates who are truly family. It’s amazing to watch.

Your kids have grown up in a Specialized Housing live-in staff apartment. What has it been like raising your kids in the SHI community?

I really feel like growing up with a sister with disabilities has shaped me into someone I could never have been without her. Having my children grow up around this population is an absolute joy. It has certainly contributed to their compassion, kindness, and sense of social justice.

How has being part of this community impacted you?

It is my life. I basically get paid to hang around with my best friends.

And lastly, we’d love to learn more about your interests. Could you share something about a non-work hobby or passion?

I have lots! I am a father, musician, portrait photographer, sculptor, writer, calligrapher, kayaker, marathon runner, and reader. I like race cars and Rubiks cubes. I’m basically fascinated with the world and am having a blast trying to figure it out.