Street Democracy co-founder and Executive Director Jayesh Patel has been awarded the “Excellence in Homelessness Award” by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The award recognizes Patel’s innovative leadership in addressing homelessness through legal reform and community collaboration.
Patel was honored for his pioneering work on functional sentencing and for founding and continuing to lead the Street Outreach Court Detroit (SOCD) — a groundbreaking court program designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness resolve legal barriers while connecting them with supportive services.
“Street Outreach Court Detroit proves that justice and compassion can coexist,” said Patel. “This recognition from MSHDA honors the collaborative spirit of our partners, judges, and advocates who believe in second chances and systemic change.”
Under Patel’s leadership, Street Democracy has championed equitable justice models that focus on restoring dignity, stability, and opportunity for people who are unhoused or living in poverty. Street Outreach Court has become a national model for problem-solving courts, blending human-centered legal practice with social support to promote long-term success. To date, Street Outreach Court Detroit has assisted 1,121 participants, closed 12,413 cases, and saved participants over $1,735,439 in legal financial obligations.
Patel earned his undergrad degree from Wayne State University, and his JD from Georgetown Law.
He spent close to three years serving as an adjunct professor and director of the Food Law Clinic at Michigan State University College of Law.
Patel was honored for his pioneering work on functional sentencing and for founding and continuing to lead the Street Outreach Court Detroit (SOCD) — a groundbreaking court program designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness resolve legal barriers while connecting them with supportive services.
“Street Outreach Court Detroit proves that justice and compassion can coexist,” said Patel. “This recognition from MSHDA honors the collaborative spirit of our partners, judges, and advocates who believe in second chances and systemic change.”
Under Patel’s leadership, Street Democracy has championed equitable justice models that focus on restoring dignity, stability, and opportunity for people who are unhoused or living in poverty. Street Outreach Court has become a national model for problem-solving courts, blending human-centered legal practice with social support to promote long-term success. To date, Street Outreach Court Detroit has assisted 1,121 participants, closed 12,413 cases, and saved participants over $1,735,439 in legal financial obligations.
Patel earned his undergrad degree from Wayne State University, and his JD from Georgetown Law.
He spent close to three years serving as an adjunct professor and director of the Food Law Clinic at Michigan State University College of Law.
