Jeremiah Lewis Speaks to Houston Service Providers at Coalition for the Homeless HMIS Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Operations Specialist Jeremiah Lewis Shares Insights on Human-Centered Approaches to HMIS Implementation

HOUSTON, TX – Jeremiah Lewis, Operations Specialist at Civic Heart and founder of JLeww Productions, was invited to speak at the Coalition for the Homeless HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) Forum held at United Way (50 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX), addressing HMIS users from diverse service organizations across the Houston region.

Lewis was invited by Kelita Beechum, HMIS External Partner Engagement Manager at Coalition for the Homeless, to present on "Clarity Around the Edges: Supporting HMIS with Human-Centered Structure." His presentation focused on applying systems thinking principles to improve operational effectiveness within existing HMIS frameworks.

"We see HMIS as a mountain to climb. Focus your energy on developing tools that can help you climb the mountain."

Drawing from his computer science background and experience progressing from HMIS Data Specialist to Team Lead to his current agency-wide Operations role, Lewis shared three core principles for effective HMIS implementation:

• Clarity doesn't require new software — it requires intentional structure.
• Someone must own the workflow — if it's everyone's job, it's no one's job.
• You don't have to master every HMIS feature, but you can build processes that help your team use it well.

Lewis emphasized that successful HMIS implementation requires supportive operational structures, telling attendees, "These processes exist to support the data work we do in HMIS. They provide operational visibility and accountability." His approach focuses on empowering users rather than simply managing technology: "HMIS works best when the people using it feel empowered, not overwhelmed."

"You cannot understand a system you cannot build."

This principle guided Lewis's presentation, emphasizing that true understanding of complex systems like HMIS comes from building operational processes around them, not just using the software itself.

Practical Implementation

The presentation addressed practical solutions implemented at Civic Heart, including structured monthly sync meetings, clear maintenance responsibilities, and automated reminder systems that prevent important deadlines from being lost in daily service delivery.

Lewis's work at Civic Heart focuses on building operational clarity through intentional systems design, applying systems thinking principles to housing operations across the organization. His approach emphasizes supporting existing infrastructure while improving day-to-day operational effectiveness.

Event Impact

The HMIS Forum brought together HMIS users from organizations providing diverse services across Houston, including shelters, supportive services, domestic violence providers, and other community organizations, to discuss best practices and system improvements.

About JLeww Productions

JLeww Productions applies systems thinking and technical expertise to housing operations challenges, focusing on building clarity and accountability in complex operational environments.

About Jeremiah Lewis

Jeremiah Lewis is Operations Specialist at Civic Heart and founder of JLeww Productions. With a computer science background, he specializes in applying systems thinking to housing operations, progressing through roles as HMIS Data Specialist and Team Lead before taking on agency-wide operational responsibilities.