Consultant

Jose Lorenzo is a case manager and alumni for Justice 4 Housing (J4H), an influential organization committed to eradicating housing discrimination and homelessness for individuals affected by domestic violence and incarceration. A survivor of incarceration himself, Jose's personal experience and dedicated work on housing justice have led to his impactful position today.

Recently, Jose was privileged to participate in a round table discussion with the White House, having been invited by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. His dialogue with the representatives of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau echoed the voices of many formerly incarcerated individuals and served to inform and shape new federal housing policies.

As a staunch advocate of the Housing First approach, Jose believes that a safe and stable home is the cornerstone of a successful reentry to society. His efforts are focused on advocating for fair housing policies and abolishing discriminatory measures that prevent Justice Involved Individuals (JIIs) from accessing affordable housing.

Jose's work with J4H aims to counter the existing policies of the Public Housing Authority (PHA) that disproportionately affect people of color, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and recidivism. He tirelessly works to break these barriers and strives to empower individuals and their families by providing them access to stable housing.

At J4H, Jose is involved in numerous programs designed to address the root cause of recidivism related to homelessness. Among these initiatives is the Stable Housing and Reintegration Program (SHARP), the first program in Massachusetts to provide subsidized housing vouchers to formerly incarcerated people.

Under Jose's guidance and driven by his passion for justice, J4H envisions a world beyond incarceration. He dreams of a society where all people have access to stable, permanent housing and an end to structural racism. His tireless advocacy and drive have placed him at the forefront of housing justice, as he continuously works towards creating robust movements to reinvest in communities. Jose Lorenzo is more than a case manager; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the challenges of housing after incarceration.