Lydie Ultimo

St. Francis House, New England’s largest daytime shelter, has appointed Lydie Ultimo as its vice president of programs and services.

Ultimo brings decades of experience in public health and behavioral health administration to the Boston nonprofit, which provides shelter and support services to adults experiencing homelessness and poverty.

She most recently was executive director of clinical operations at Beth Israel Lahey Health Behavioral Services. Earlier in her career, Ultimo held leadership positions at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, including director of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services and director of the Office of Health Equity.

At St. Francis House, Ultimo will oversee the organization’s integrated programs, including housing assistance, workforce development, basic needs services and behavioral health programs.

“Lydie is an exceptional leader whose deep expertise spans health care systems, state-level public health administration and direct community care,” said Karen LaFrazia, president and CEO of St. Francis House. “Her profound understanding of behavioral health, substance use disorder recovery and health equity comes at a pivotal moment for our organization.”

LaFrazia said Ultimo’s experience will support the organization’s efforts to expand trauma-informed services and create pathways to stability for people experiencing homelessness.

Ultimo said her new position builds on her career-long focus on helping people facing behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders and other complex circumstances.

“I have spent my career working to build equitable, supportive systems for individuals navigating complex trauma, behavioral health challenges and substance use disorders,” Ultimo said.

She said she has long admired St. Francis House for its approach to serving people with dignity and meeting them where they are.

“I look forward to working alongside this dedicated team to strengthen our programs and elevate the care we provide to our neighbors in Boston,” Ultimo said.

Founded in 1984, St. Francis House serves nearly 10,000 people annually at its downtown Boston facility. The organization provides food, clothing and other basic needs, along with services focused on housing, employment, income and behavioral health. St. Francis House is the largest daytime shelter in New England.

St. Francis House has been recognized as a National Model Program by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Committee on Hunger and Homelessness and the U.S. House of Representative.