Years ago, Rihem Cowart stood on the edge of homelessness, not as a bystander, but as someone who intimately knew what it felt like to live in uncertainty. Today, he stands as one of the Twin Cities’ most dedicated voices for the unhoused, driven by a simple but powerful belief: Everyone deserves a chance to reclaim their life.
As head of outreach at Guild, a nonprofit delivering community-based mental health and housing services, Cowart leads with deep empathy, informed by lived experience. He doesn’t just offer help — he offers hope.
“This work isn’t just about services,” Cowart says. “It’s about showing people they’re seen, they’re valued, and that their story isn’t over.”
From rock bottom to rising leader
Cowart’s professional journey into human services began in 2021 with The Salvation Army. There, he quickly stood out not just for his tireless work ethic, but for his ability to connect with people on a deeply human level…