Jess Salvas

Background

About Jess Salvas

I have a BS in Human Services from Springfield College, where I learned the principles and practices of supporting individuals and communities in need. As a Housing First Peer Engagement Specialist at Eliot Community Human Services, I apply my knowledge and skills to help people who are experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and or substance use disorders. I provide them with supportive services, such as housing and mental health referrals, crisis intervention/diversion, and harm reduction. I also use my client relations and dispute resolution skills to build rapport, trust, and mutual respect with diverse groups of people, and to empower them to access the resources and opportunities they need to improve their well-being and dignity. In collaboration with other professionals and agencies, I contribute to the delivery of holistic and integrated care for the clients, and to the advocacy for their rights to housing and safety. Previously, I worked as an advocate at On The Rise, a non-profit organization that serves homeless women in crisis. There, I helped develop and implement innovative programs and services that enabled hundreds of women to overcome barriers and achieve their self-determination. My mission is to help the people I support to reach their housing and safety goals.