The National Alliance to End Homelessness today expressed its support of Jeff Olivet, the newly appointed Executive Director of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) effective January 31, 2022.
The Interagency Council consists of representatives of the 19 federal agencies that have direct responsibility for helping people experiencing homelessness. Olivet will lead the staff of the Council, which is tasked with coordinating federal efforts to end homelessness, as well as working with other levels of government and the private sector.
In his role, Olivet will be responsible for ensuring that federal agencies use their programs and investments to end homelessness in the most strategic and collaborative ways, focusing on proven, effective, and efficient interventions. He will also be responsible for coordinating these agencies in a variety of areas, including housing, health care, veteran assistance, education, childcare, employment, behavioral health and more.
Olivet is among the nation’s foremost advocates of prioritizing race equity within the homelessness sector. His early research and leadership on this issue were ground-breaking, leading to many changes in the field. In addition to his past work as a street outreach worker, a family case manager, and a supportive housing coordinator, Olivet is the founder of Racial Equity Partners and the former CEO of the Center for Social Innovation, bringing extensive experience in homelessness and social policy to USICH.
“Ending homelessness is a matter of justice and equity, and these are among Jeff’s core values,” said Nan Roman, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “The Alliance is very excited to continue its partnership with USICH under Jeff’s leadership, and it looks forward to a sustained and strengthened focus on equity within the federal government’s work on homelessness.”