Jessie M. Gaeta, M.D. was honored with the Conference's 2008 Be The Change Award.

Dr. Gaeta dedicates her life to caring for the homeless. As a practicing internist at Boston University Medical Center and Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, she treats homeless patients on the streets and in shelters.

Dr. Gaeta also leads policy advocacy at the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance. By raising awareness of the public health implications of homelessness and the cost-effectiveness of a Housing First approach, she has successfully influenced lawmakers to create social change through the institution of new approaches to ending homelessness.

Read Dr. Gaeta's inspiring acceptance speech