Beyond the Building: Innovative Housing Authority Partnerships

Northwest Ballroom (1st Floor)

Explore innovative collaborations between housing authorities and community organizations that have created opportunities to strengthen a housing authority’s impact.  Participants will learn how housing authorities have worked to address broader needs such as healthcare, and social services, enhancing the overall well-being of residents of all ages. Through practical examples, the session will offer insights into building sustainable, multi-sector alliances that go beyond traditional housing to create community.

• Presentation Materials Available Here
• Supplemental Materials

Presenters:

• Lynn Bartlett, Executive Director, Housing Development Corporation of Bergen County
• Melody Federico, Portfolio Management Specialist. U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Cathy Hart, Deputy Executive Director, Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth
• Kerry-Anne Henry, Assistant Director, Office of Housing, NJ Dept of Children and Families

A Triple Play Approach to a Housing Development Strategy

Salon I (2nd Floor)

A comprehensive, three-pronged approach is needed to create successful supportive housing. This is one that not only serves the housing and services needs of different populations but also works for the organization. This workshop focuses on the interdependency of development, facilities maintenance, and property management in the different ways housing is developed in NJ. Come hear from the panelists about best practices in working towards the goal of creating homes for households with special needs. This workshop will offer ample time to hear from you and your peers on what works in building a strategy to increase quality homes for people with special needs.

• Presentation Materials Available Here

Presenters:

• Daniel Gilmartin, Assistant Development Specialist, Triple C Housing
• Gia Gore, Director of Real Estate, Eden Autism Services
• Marcus Kellam, Director of Community Engagement & Development, Triple C Housing
• Edyta Zak-Burns, Director of Residential Services, Eden Autism Services

What's in a Name? Unpacking Support Brokerage and Housing Navigation

Salon II (2nd Floor)

Delve into the distinct yet interconnected roles of supports brokers and housing navigators in helping individuals connect with a housing opportunity that is right for them.  Explore how these two roles each contribute to person-centered solutions for individuals with a variety of disabilities and barriers and what tools are available in this work. Come gain insights from panelists and through stories and photos that highlight the journeys of people as they navigate the path to independent living of their choice. Presenters will share how these services effectively guide individuals through complex housing systems and support long-term stability.

• Presentation Materials Available Here

Presenters:

• Krystal Odell, CEO, Pennreach
• Sherry Cameron, Manager of Supports, Eiros Group Manager of Supports
• Emily Blohm, Supports Broker, Eiros Group
• Cristal Wagner, CAO, Pennreach
• Kate Leahy, Housing Navigator Project Manager, Supportive Housing Association of NJ

Joining Forces to Deliver Healthy Housing Solutions

Lecture Suite (2nd Floor)

Join us for a conversation about the upcoming housing supports services rollout of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 1115 Waiver. Our state partners will present an overview of the new housing supports available to promote the well-being of vulnerable populations in housing. Learn how available grants from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA)’s Office of Homeless Prevention can assist community-based organizations participate in the waiver program and foster safer, healthier, and more sustainable housing.

• Presentation Materials Available Here

Presenters:

• Michael Callahan, Director, NJ DCA, Office of Homelessness Prevention
• Renee Koubiadis, Senior Policy Advisor, NJ DCA
• Jonathan Tew, Regulatory Officer, NJ Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services

Risky Business: Managing Insurance Costs

Northwest Ballroom (1st Floor)

This workshop delves into strategies for managing and reducing insurance costs in supportive housing while maintaining essential coverage of property and for employees. Participants will learn how to assess risk, negotiate premiums, and implement cost-saving measures without compromising on protection. Through practical insights and expert guidance, attendees will leave equipped to better navigate the complexities of insurance in today’s environment.

• Presentation Materials Available Here

Presenters:

• Pete Rosky, Senior Vice President, NJ Market Leader | Health & Welfare, Risk Strategies
• Patrick Boyle, Senior Director, Enterprise Community Partners
• Matt Basile, Client Executive, Lamb Insurance Services
• Robyn Wright, Associate Executive Director of Human Resources, Community Access Unlimited

Integrating Mental Wellness, Addiction Recovery and Overdose Prevention in Supportive Housing

Salon I (2nd Floor)

Mental wellness, addiction recovery, and peer support strengthen an individual's ability to maintain stable housing. Learn from the experts about meeting the unique needs of individuals navigating mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and the rapidly changing landscape of overdose prevention strategies. Practical approaches to providing holistic care can lead to success and a sense of belonging. Through examples of collaboration and evidence-based tools, the session aims to enhance the safety and create healthier and stronger supportive housing communities.

• Presentation Materials Available Here

Presenters:

• Jennifer Gallagher, Assistant Director, The Mental Health Association in New Jersey in Ocean County
• Brian McShane, Associate Director PA/NJ, CSH Metro Team
• Genevieve Mitchell, Coordinator, Hope Program, The Mental Health Association in New Jersey in Ocean County

Second Impressions: Establishing Shared Values Between Landlords and Tenants

Salon II (2nd Floor)

Successfully connecting hard to house tenants with rental opportunities can be difficult, especially in a tight housing market. Like it or not, unfair biases and common misconceptions can get in the way of even the first steps. Family Promise of Morris’s Landlord Support Program (LSP) has tackled these problems head on by building strong relationships with realtors, landlords and property managers. The workshop will review research and lessons learned around housing search, fostering open communication, trust, and innovation. Attendees will leave with universal and practical strategies to bridge perceived differences, align priorities, and build positive relationships with landlords around shared values about the stability of a home, a healthier community, and fairness.

• Presentation Materials Available Here

Presenters:

• Francesca Lawrence, Landlord Support Program Coordinator, Family Promise of Morris County
• Stacey Torres, Building Owner, Investor, and Landlord Partner, Alexander Construction
• Lana Ubinski, Director of Housing Stabilization and Permanency, Family Promise of Morris County

Meeting the Moment: Including Supportive Housing in Your Municipality

Lecture Suite (2nd Floor)

With New Jersey’s recent affordable housing legislation, we are poised to take a fresh view and look ahead at the next 10 years. The discussion will bring in the affordable housing and municipal perspective on how we can imagine supportive housing communities as part of projects of all sizes to meet affordable housing obligations. Discover how to leverage credits, effectively utilize partnerships, maximize the impact of supportive housing initiatives, and strengthen the fabric of our communities.

• Presentation Materials Available Here

Presenters:

• Councilwoman Heather Cooper, Evesham Township
• Adam Gordon, Executive Director, Fair Share Housing Center
• Chris Pugliese, Director of Housing Development, Affordable Housing Alliance
• Tom Toronto, President, Bergen County's United Way

Ask the Experts: Implementing Medicaid Housing Supports

Northwest Ballroom (1st Floor)

Involving Medicaid in housing services is a game changer! Join us for an informal meet and greet session with the relevant experts involved in the actual implementation of the new Medicaid housing services and supports. Bring your questions for our managed care organizations and find out the support available from New Jersey’s Regional Health Hubs.

Presenters:

• Camden Coalition
  Colleen McCauley, RN, BSN, MPH, SORS Project Director
  Natasha Dravid, Chief Strategy Officer
• Fidelis Care
  Christina Cullen, LCSW, Manager, Transitions/Housing
• Horizon NJ Health
  Carol Ciafrone, Sr Director Medicaid Managed Care Program
  Lauren Jacobs, Horizon Housing Manager
  
• Wellpoint
  Patrick Gillespie, Regional Vice President, State Affairs
  

An Insider's View to Grantmaking

Salon I (2nd Floor)

As an important part of the philanthropic landscape, foundations endeavor to improve the quality of life for people living in communities throughout New Jersey. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the grantmaking process from the perspective and expertise of seasoned leaders and grant makers. Discover strategies for successful grantmaking in this session designed for nonprofit professionals, grant seekers, and anyone eager to understand the grantmaking world. Join us for a robust conversation around the art of building and maintaining productive relationships with funders, understanding the importance of communication, and positioning proposals for success.

Presenters:

• Julia Holland, Executive Director, The Columbia Bank Foundation
• Julia Stoumbos, Aging in Place Program Director, The Henry & Marilyn Taub Foundation
• Craig Weinrich, Director of Member Services, The Council of New Jersey Grantmakers

Fulfilling Olmstead's Promise by Addressing Barriers to Community Living

Salon II (2nd Floor)

In 1999, in a landmark interpretation of the American with Disabilities Act, the Supreme Court decided that people with disabilities have the right to receive care in the most integrated setting. That decision opened the door for people to live outside of institutions and participate fully in their communities. However, implementing the reality is a work in progress. Come explore persistent barriers and the myths around moving people of all ages out of institutions, accessing home- and community-based services (HCBS), and living in less restrictive, more home-like settings of choice. Participants will engage with experts to learn about policy changes, shifts, and actionable strategies aimed at ensuring that often overlooked individuals can achieve their goals.

• Presentation Materials Available Here

Presenters:

• Bren Pramanik, Managing Attorney, Institutional Rights Team and PAIMI Coordinator, Disability Rights NJ
• Cassondra Warney, Senior Program Manager, CSH
• Beulah Warren, Statewide Housing Coordinator, New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Shaliek Short, Community Member

Advancing Our Collective Goals for Affordable Housing Production

Lecture Suite (2nd Floor)

Investors and developers are the key stakeholders in accelerating the development of affordable housing. How do we work together to overcome challenges, access underleveraged funding, and new products? Attendees will participate in a robust conversation about reforms that can get more approved projects to “yes” and enhance housing production to meet the increasing demand.

Presenters:

• Jacob Day, Community Investment Business Development Officer, FHLBNY
• Melanie Walter, Executive Director, NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency
• Jorge Cruz, Executive Director, LISC NJ
• Asish Patel, COO, Monarch Housing Associates