Israel's First Court Officer for the Homeless Offers Dignity and Solutions
Chen Levy, 44, is Israel's first enforcement court officer specifically trained to handle debt cases for homeless individuals. She aims to create a supportive environment in court, allowing clients to feel comfortable and understood, often offering water and encouraging them to sit during proceedings. Levy emphasizes that her goal is to help, not to interrogate, and that this approach reduces their fear and increases their sense of certainty.
The initiative to assist the homeless with debt began in 2016, sparked by efforts to organize a delegation for the Homeless World Cup. Organizers discovered that most homeless individuals in Israel had outstanding debts, making it difficult to secure travel arrangements. This led to a realization that the existing system was ill-equipped to handle the complexities faced by the homeless, who often miss official notices sent by mail.
Following this, a series of "round table" meetings involving professionals from various sectors, including the Tel Aviv municipality and the Ministry of Justice, were held to find ways to alleviate the debt burden on the homeless. After two years of research, the pilot program for homeless individuals within the Enforcement and Debt Collection Authority was launched in the summer of 2022, with Levy being the first appointed community enforcement officer. These officers receive specialized training to assist debtors facing extreme hardship, including homelessness, to facilitate rehabilitation.
Levy, who previously worked in class action lawsuits, transitioned to this role after being deeply impressed by the work of Registrar Yaniv Dayan. She views her position as a "holy work." As an enforcement court officer, she manages debt collection proceedings, assesses debtors' financial capabilities, and oversees debt recovery actions. She explains that the process often involves negotiating settlements with creditors or initiating insolvency proceedings, which include appointing a trustee and establishing a rehabilitation plan for the debtor.
Levy acknowledges the significant challenges in working with the homeless population, many of whom struggle with multiple health issues and have lost faith in the system. She notes that while the primary goal is debt collection, it must be done in the least harmful way possible, tailored to the individual's capabilities. She believes that helping debtors take responsibility for their debts, even if not fully repaid, is crucial for their rehabilitation and self-worth. Levy also highlights the difficulty in dealing with individuals with addiction issues, often referring them to specialized treatment before proceeding with debt resolution.
She recounts difficult cases, including a young woman who resorted to sex work to survive and a disabled veteran sleeping in a cemetery due to his inability to cope with his past trauma and debts. These cases underscore the complex interplay of personal hardship, systemic failures, and the emotional toll on those working to help. Levy expresses hope that awareness of the challenges faced by the homeless will continue to grow, leading to better integration into society and more effective support systems.
