Nominated by: BeMoreCaring, Inc.

It’s not about headlines or accolades — it’s about showing up, again and again, to make a difference where it matters most. And Kevin Brown shows up. Again. And again.

Kevin brings lived experience, leadership, and relentless compassion to those facing homelessness and addiction across Anne Arundel County and Baltimore. His passion for serving others comes from a deeply personal place. He has experienced the heartbreak of addiction in his own life and family. Kevin spent the majority of his life in active addiction — nearly three decades — before entering recovery. One of the greatest losses he carries is the death of his brother, Stan, to addiction, a grief that continues to fuel his compassion and commitment to helping others find a different path. His journey is a testament to the power of second chances, and he uses that testimony to help build bridges for others. Kevin often says, “They’re not junkies — they’re someone’s child.”
As the volunteer Peer Support Director for BeMoreCaring, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and supporting those in recovery throughout Anne Arundel County and Baltimore, Kevin doesn’t just talk about recovery, dignity, and hope — he lives it.

A graduate of Helping Up Mission’s recovery program, Kevin, a state-certified Peer Support Specialist, uses his own journey through addiction and transformation to offer empathy, accountability, and a tangible path forward for others. What sets Kevin apart is his consistency. Every week, he leads outreach teams into neighborhoods, delivering meals, supplies, and most importantly — his presence.

Kevin collaborates with a wide network of recovery-based programs, including Grace Recovery, Comeback Care, and Revolve Recovery, bringing trustworthiness, encouragement, and peer mentorship to individuals in active recovery. Through his leadership and personal testimony, Kevin plays a vital role in connecting these community efforts and serving as a bridge between the street and support systems.

“Kevin’s values — humility, courage, faith, and grace — guide his every step,” said nominator Khristine (Kacy) Leach, BeMoreCaring Executive Director. “Our friends on the street know they can trust him because he’s been where they are. He shares his story not to center himself, but to open a door. He believes deeply that people are worthy of a second chance — and he shows up every week to help them take it. Whether it’s helping someone get into detox, coaching recovery volunteers, or grieving alongside those who’ve lost friends to overdose, Kevin brings a rare mix of strength and tenderness. He's one of the ones I lean on. He doesn’t clock out when the shift ends. He checks in. He follows up. He remembers names.

“When Kevin is around, people feel safe, seen, and deeply cared for,” added Kacy. “He defends the marginalized with a fierceness. That kind of advocacy is rare, and it’s real. He’ll lift someone up with a hug one minute and haul 12 pallets of donations into the warehouse the next — not because it’s his job, but because it needs doing. Kevin doesn’t do halfway. He’s all in. Anne Arundel County is stronger because Kevin Brown is in it.”