Webster Drew Stephenson III, Site Patrol, Magnolia Safe Parking
At Magnolia Safe Parking, Webster Drew Stephenson III is part of the Site Patrol team, helping create a space that feels both structured and welcoming from the moment participants arrive.
“A typical day starts before anyone comes in,” he shared. “Making sure everything is set right. And then when people arrive, it’s about greeting them, making them feel welcome, and creating a sense of security.”
For Webster, the role goes beyond monitoring a site. It’s about presence, communication, and setting the tone.
“It’s about making sure the vibe is right,” he said. “You want people to feel safe and comfortable, but also understand the expectations. It’s a combination of things that helps create a good lot.”
One of the biggest misconceptions about Site Patrol is that it mirrors traditional security work.
“It’s different,” he explained. “It’s not just walking around or staying in one place. Communication is everything. You’re talking with people, not at them.”
That approach becomes especially important during moments when site patrol staff are the only ones on site.
“There are times when something is going on late at night, and the case manager has gone home,” he said. “It’s just Site Patrol. Being able to talk with someone, help someone calm down, and be there to listen, that matters.”
When asked what makes someone successful in this role, Webster didn’t hesitate.
“You have to be open and not judgmental,” he said. “If you take the time to talk with people, they understand that. They don’t feel like they’re just an item. You treat them like people.”
For Webster, the smallest moments often carry the most weight. He recalled a time when a conversation helped someone push through a difficult moment, only to later receive good news.
“Seeing that happen, it sticks with you,” he said. “I get excited about that. I like seeing people reach their goals.”
Working in this environment has also shifted his own perspective.
“This job makes me appreciate life more,” he shared. “A lot of times, it’s not what people think. No one ends up here by choice. You start to see things differently.”
His advice for others stepping into this work, or any role at Dreams for Change, is simple:
“Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to try to make a change. A lot of things people think are ‘too much’ or ‘not them’ actually matter. Being open makes a difference.”
