Homeless Outreach & Housing First

Jay S. Levy has spent the last twenty-three years working with individuals who experience homelessness. He is the author of the highly acclaimed book Homeless Narratives & Pretreatment Pathways: From Words to Housing and has published several journal articles on the subject. He has helped to develop new housing first programs such as the Regional Engagement and Assessment for Chronically Homeless Housing First program (REACH). This was adopted by the Western Massachusetts Regional Network as an innovative approach toward reducing chronic homelessness and has also been integrated into the Pioneer Valley's 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. Jay received his MSW degree in clinical social work from Columbia University in 1988. He has achieved formal recognition from the Commonwealth of MA Department of Mental Health for his ongoing efforts to help under-served homeless individuals through his direct service, clinical supervision of staff, and program development. Jay is currently employed by Eliot CHS-Homeless Services as a Regional Manager for the statewide SAMHSA-PATH Homeless Outreach Program and Eliot's Western MA Housing First Program. Jay lives in Western MA with his wife Louise and his two children, Talia and Sara. He is also an avid stargazer. Further information about homelessness, past and present publications, latest reviews, and interviews are available at his website: jayslevy.com