Agenda Overview
Day 1 | June 4, 2024
8:30-9:30 | Registration
9:30-10:15 | Welcome and Keynote
10:30-11:45 | Insights from the NC Balance of State CoC Lived Expertise Advisory Council
11:45-1:00 | Lunch with Dr. Lorenzo Claxton, North Carolina Field Office Director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
1:15-2:30 | Breakout Sessions
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- Gimme Shelter Screening and Panel
- Mainstream and Special Purpose Housing Vouchers (HUD-VASH, FYI, NED, and FUP)
- Building Bridges for Unaccompanied Youth to Succeed
- Exploring the Utilization of Trauma-Informed Theory in Family Shelters
- A Trauma Informed Approach to Linking Unhoused Individuals to SSI/SSDI Benefits through the SOAR Program
2:45-4:00 | Breakout Sessions
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- Building Professional Resilience and Avoiding Compassion Fatigue
- Housing Barriers for Justice Involved Populations and Those at Risk of Overdose
- Sheltering Survivors: Addressing Domestic Violence, Homelessness, and the Keys to Permanent Housing in NC
- Increasing Access to Quality Childcare Through Community Partnerships
4:15-5:00 | Networking Reception
Day 2 | June 5, 2024
8:00-9:45 | Continental Breakfast
8:30-9:45 | Special Sessions
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- Mindfulness Session
- Medicaid Information Session
10:00-12:45 | Intensive Trainings
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- Developing Strategies and Resources across the Housing Continuum: A Conversation with NCCEH & NCHC
- Innovative Solutions Start with Partnerships
- Financial Management for ESG Subrecipients
12:45-1:45 | Boxed Lunch
ESG Office Hours
2:00-3:15 | Breakout Sessions
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- Johnson v. Grants Pass, Local Governments, Downtown Revitalization, and Homelessness
- Renting with a Criminal Record: Fair Housing and Fair Chances
- Innovative Solutions to Address Shortage of Emergency Beds: Pallet Shelters and Safe Parking Programs
- Effective Collaborations with School District Homeless Liaisons
- NCDHHS Strategic Planning and ICCHP Listening Session
Full Agenda | Speaker Bios
Day 1 | June 4, 2024
Registration | 8:30-9:30am
Welcome and Keynote | 9:30-10:15am
Dr. Latonya Agard, Executive Director, NC Coalition to End Homelessness
Lisa Worth, ESG Homeless Programs Coordinator, Division of Aging, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Samuel Gunter, Executive Director, NC Housing Coalition
Marisol Bello, Executive Director, Housing Narrative Lab
Begin the conference with welcoming remarks from the conference hosts and keynote addresses from Marisol Bello (she/her), Executive Director of Housing Narrative Lab. Marisol has spent a career championing the stories and voices of people with lived experience, so they lead in creating the solutions that help every family thrive. First as a career journalist – most recently at USA TODAY – telling the stories of families working to make ends meet, and then in the nonprofit world, where she led narrative strategies to change hearts and minds about those living on the brink and move people to action. The Housing Narrative Lab is focused on telling the story of who becomes homeless and why, and how safe and affordable housing is their first step toward stability and opportunity.
Insights from the NC Balance of State CoC Lived Expertise Advisory Council | 10:30-11:45am
This panel will feature the members of the Lived Expertise Advisory Council (LEAC) of the NC Balance of State CoC. Panelists will share insights from their experiences of homelessness and the services they received, as well as the history and vision of the LEAC to impact policy and governance throughout the CoC.
Lunch with Dr. Lorenzo Claxton | 12:00-1:00pm
North Carolina Field Office Director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
During lunch, Dr. Claxton will share special remarks. Dr. Claxton has been the North Carolina Field Office Director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development since December 2022. In this role, he serves as HUD’s liaison to mayors, city managers, state and local officials, members of Congress, private and non-profit developers, stakeholders, and customers.
Breakout Sessions | 1:15-2:30pm
Gimme Shelter Screening and Panel
Dr. Connie Hicks
Monica Kearney, MSW, Executive Director, Safe Space, Inc.
Beverly Kegley
Gauri Singh
Dr. Phillip Stover
Rob Underhill
Gimme Shelter explores homelessness in Franklin County, North Carolina, and how these challenges are the challenges of the entire country. Following a thirty minute screening of the documentary, the filmmakers will hold a panel.
Mainstream and Special Purpose Housing Vouchers (HUD-VASH, FYI, NED, and FUP)
A Special Purpose Voucher is a type of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, administered by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). When utilized strategically and collaboratively with Continuums of Care (CoCs) and other partners, these programs provide unique opportunities to target rental assistance resources to specific populations to advance a community’s plan to end homelessness, support a community’s equity outcomes, and create ways to meaningfully engage with people with lived experience of homelessness and involvement with various systems. The HUD Greensboro Public and Indian Housing (PIH) Division team will present an overview of its Mainstream and Special Purpose Voucher (SPV) Programs, educate CoCs and other partners on the eligibility of SPVs, and discuss strategies on how CoCs and other partners can partner with its local PHA to ensure the success of SPVs.
Building Bridges for Unaccompanied Youth to Succeed
Deirdre Bolden (she/her), Director – Southeast Region, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
Rashaunda Lanier-Jackson (she/her), Senior Program Manager, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
Charlesy Nance (she/her), Senior Program Manager, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
The number of unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness each year in North Carolina far exceeds current resources in one given entity/sector. Currently no one system is singularly responsible for assisting these young people in the transition to adulthood. Through this session, gain understanding of not only the key external partners needed to create an age-appropriate and responsive system of care to address the unique needs of this population, but also, the success factors, enabling conditions, and potential challenges involved in community-wide initiatives.
Exploring the Utilization of Trauma-Informed Theory in Family Shelters
Madison Quijano (she/her), Management Analyst, DC Government
The speaker will share findings from interviews with COC administrators across the DMV regarding the current usage and practicality of operationalizing trauma-informed theories into family shelters.
A Trauma Informed Approach to Linking Unhoused Individuals to SSI/SSDI Benefits through the SOAR Program
Adriana Diaz (moderator), Project Specialist, NC Coalition to End Homelessness
Michelle Armstrong-Lavine, SOAR Lead & Coordinator, Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Services
Sheila Crump, Social Serve Program Coordinator, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services/Housing Innovation & Stabilization Services
Charita McCollers, LCSW, Lincoln Community Health Center’s Health Care the Homeless Clinic
Sametra Polkah-Toe, Project Associate II, SAMHSA SOAR TA Center
Daphne Waugh, SOAR Program Coordinator and Local Lead, Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources
Individuals who experience homelessness are vulnerable to traumatic experiences. These experiences add to the complications associated with their mental health and health challenges. This presentation focuses on increasing awareness of what constitutes trauma; the principles of a trauma-informed approach; the ideologies of trauma-informed programs and services; the ways in which trauma affects individuals experiencing homelessness and how the integration of trauma-informed principles can help in the assessment and support of the target population.
Breakout Sessions | 2:45-4:00pm
Building Professional Resilience and Avoiding Compassion Fatigue
Cheryl Fuller, Consultant, Cheryl Fuller Consulting
With the tremendous challenges and needs that are placed before us in our service to others, many of us are suffering from compassion fatigue and burnout. Because we work in service industries, research indicates we need to take care of ourselves differently than others. Eating right, sleeping well and exercising are important, but simply not enough. In this session, we will determine your level of compassion fatigue and begin to look at solutions for reducing stress in your life. Helping others should not mean that your personal and/or professional life has to suffer. This session will allow us to understand what stress is, how it impacts us and most importantly how to reduce it so we don’t continue to go the path of compassion fatigue and burnout.
Housing Barriers for Justice Involved Populations and Those at Risk of Overdose
Amy Blank Wilson, PhD, MSW, LSW, Associate Professor, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Shakieta Maloye, Executive Director, Another Chance House of Refuge, Inc.
Alex Rubenstein, Housing Grants Coordinator, Orange County
People impacted by the justice system and those at risk of overdose face increased housing barriers in an already difficult housing market. In this session, we’ll discuss the specific challenges these populations face, the mismatch between system priorities and individual needs, and the landscape of housing barriers and services in NC as identified by stakeholders across the state. We will also discuss the success of the intermedial housing model in addressing these barriers and improving outcomes.
Sheltering Survivors: Addressing Domestic Violence, Homelessness, and the Keys to Permanent Housing in NC
Cassandra Rowe, Director of Health and Housing, NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Neisha Himes, Domestic Violence Education Specialist, Neisha Christine Consulting, LLC
This session will explore the profound impact of domestic violence on homelessness, particularly for women and children, exacerbated by racial disparities and economic barriers. We will delve into strategies for expanding shelter capacities, enhancing support networks, and advocating for equitable housing opportunities, fostering a more compassionate response to this pressing public health crisis. We will also explore the first Balance of State-wide domestic violence rapid rehousing program in North Carolina including challenges, lessons learned and hopes for the future of housing security for survivors.
Increasing Access to Quality Childcare Through Community Partnerships
Sharmaine Joyner, Program Manager, The Salvation Army
Deb Thompson, Technical Assistance Specialist, The Salvation Army
Community Partnerships are critical in any initiative to support families experiencing homelessness. These families require multiple services to navigate their path to stable housing. Project CATCH’s initiative to increase access to quality childcare is a key component of the overall support system. An “Education, Collaboration and Expansion” model is utilized to accomplish the goals of the initiative.
Reception | 4:15-5:00pm
Day 2 | June 5, 2024
Continental Breakfast | 8:00-9:45am
Special Sessions | 8:30-9:45am
Mindfulness Session
Cristen Bopp (RYT200)
Mindfulness instructor Cristen Bopp (RYT200) will lead participants in accessible meditation, mindfulness, and chair yoga exercises that can be incorporated into your daily routine to lower stress and provide self care. Cristen has been teaching mindfulness to the Greater Raleigh Area since 2014. She skillfully utilizes the ancient traditions of yoga and qi gong while offering trauma-informed, grounding, thoughtfully paced private sessions, group classes, conferences, and workshops. Her passion for teaching is fueled by witnessing students cultivate: rest, joy, empowerment, rejuvenation, and trust in their own inner wisdom and physical strength.
Medicaid Information Session
LaQuana Palmer, Deputy Director, NC Medicaid Communications and Engagement, NC Department of Health and Human Services
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Benefits will share strategies to address barriers preventing access to Medicaid enrollment. The speaker will discuss the strategies used to meet people where they are, the resources available to existing and potential beneficiaries, community partners, and the collaborative efforts that are shaping a healthier future for North Carolina. The presentation will include the community and outreach strategy crafted for the North Carolina Expansion Campaign: Medicaid for More People, which will give more than 600,000 North Carolinians access to health coverage through Medicaid.
Intensive Sessions | 10:00am-12:45pm
Developing Strategies and Resources Across the Housing Continuum: A conversation with NCCEH & NCHC
Dr. Latonya Agard, Executive Director, NC Coalition to End Homelessness
Andrea Carey, Data Center Director, NC Coalition to End Homelessness
Samuel Gunter, Executive Director, NC Housing Coalition
Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, Director of Housing Policy, NC Housing Coalition
Join staff and leadership from the NC Coalition to End Homelessness and NC Housing Coalition for a collaborative session where they will invite you to be a part of their vision for this critical moving forward, to participate in a collective conversation about the housing continuum, the opportunities to, and importance of, working together to strengthen our ecosystem and housing movement.
Innovative Solutions Start with Partnerships
Beth Bordeaux, MSW (she/her), Co-Owner, Partners for Impact
Stan Holt, PhD (he/him), Partners for Impact
Solutions to homelessness begin with service providers who commit to building new relationships and looking at the challenges their community faces from new angles. Homelessness is a wickedly complex community problem that must be addressed at many levels. Communities must keep an eye on up-stream opportunities, address the immediate crisis, and employ long term efforts to change the trajectory. Two communities that Partners for Impact has worked with over the last five years have made significant shifts in focus – one turning attention towards broader community engagement, advocacy and affordable housing and the other identifying new integrated approaches to supporting young children experiencing homelessness. Both of these required expanded thinking beyond the HUD CoC and envisioning homelessness as a whole community issue that needs a whole community response.
Financial Management for ESG Subrecipients
Chris Battle, ESG Homeless Programs Coordinator, Division of Aging, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Rikki Gardner, Senior Manager for Compliance & Performance Management, Housing for New Hope
Deronda Metz, Safe Alliance
Alissa Pritchett, ESG Homeless Programs Coordinator, Division of Aging, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Lisa Worth, ESG Homeless Programs Coordinator, Division of Aging, NC Department of Health and Human Services
HUD requires that ESG subrecipients have a sound financial management system in place to ensure appropriate, accurate, and timely financial transactions. In this session, ESG office staff will discuss the different elements of a sound financial management and procurement specific to ESG subrecipients. Speakers will also provide an overview of sound financial management practices for organizations including managing multiple funding streams and general grant management.
Boxed Lunch | 12:45-1:45pm
ESG Office Hours | 12:45-1:45pm
Chris Battle, ESG Homeless Programs Coordinator, Division of Aging, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Alissa Pritchett, ESG Homeless Programs Coordinator, Division of Aging, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Lisa Worth, ESG Homeless Programs Coordinator, Division of Aging, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Do you have questions about eligibility, program management, HUD regulations, or anything else ESG-related? This is your chance to ask the NC ESG staff all your burning ESG questions. You are also welcome to stop by to introduce yourself and meet the staff in person. This will be an informal drop-in session for all who wish to say hi, ask questions, and address any concerns or technical assistance needs.
Breakout Sessions | 2:00-3:15pm
Johnson v. Grants Pass, Local Governments, Downtown Revitalization, and Homelessness
Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, Director of Housing Policy, NC Housing Coalition (moderator)
Dr. Latonya Agard, Executive Director, North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness
Dan Siegel, Deputy Legal Director, ACLU of North Carolina
On April 22, 2024 the U.S Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of local government ordinances regulating the use of public property by homeless people. This panel will discuss the outcome from the Johnson v. Grants Pass case and its implications for the growing number of experiencing homelessness and at risk of homelessness across our entire state and the housing movement.
Renting with a Criminal Record: Fair Housing and Fair Chances
Lauren Brasil, Co-Director and Managing Attorney, Legal Aid of North Carolina Fair Housing Project
Bill Rowe, Senior Advisor (former), North Carolina Justice Center
Hope Williams, Supervising Attorney, Legal Aid of North Carolina Fair Housing Project
The state and federal Fair Housing Acts provide protections that enhance housing opportunities for persons with criminal records. These individuals are particularly vulnerable to homelessness not only at the time they reenter the community, but often for years after their criminal case is resolved. In this training we will educate the audience about using the Fair Housing Act to advocate for covered individuals who are seeking housing or endeavoring to avoid loss of housing. We also will discuss policy and other advocacy efforts in the movement to break down systemic obstacles to accessing housing and that otherwise impede persons with criminal records from engaging in productive citizenship.
Innovative Solutions to Address Shortage of Emergency Beds: Pallet Shelters and Safe Parking Programs
Elizabeth Alverson, Supportive Housing Analyst, City of Greensboro
Bennita Curtain, Director of Programs, Interactive Resource Center
Troy Powell, Neighborhood Impact Manager, City of Greensboro
Consistent with other municipalities across the state, the City of Greensboro has experienced a post-pandemic surge in homelessness. Several mitigating factors including emergency shelters operating at half capacity, affordable housing becoming seemingly unattainable, increases in eviction rates, and much more, Greensboro needed a rapid solution for emergency housing and supports. This presentation will discuss the innovative solutions the City of Greensboro used to address emergency interim housing and service provisions through the Doorway Project (pallet shelters), and the Safe Parking Program, a new tool for street outreach. Hear from city staff and service providers on program design and implementation, including planning, funding, program challenges and successes.
Effective Collaborations with School District Homeless Liaisons
Daniel Jordan, Program Specialist, NC Homeless Education Program
Lisa Phillips, State Coordinator, NC Homeless Education Program
The North Carolina Homeless Education (NCHEP) Program is purposed to ensure children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to the public education to which they are entitled under the Federal McKinney-Vento Act. In this session, we’ll delve into the unique challenges faced by students experiencing homelessness, including barriers to accessing education, lack of stability, and societal stigmatization. The presentation will provide an overview of the programmatic aspects of homeless education across the state under Federal Program Monitoring and Support Division with NCDPI. Participants will gain an understanding of the mandate requiring that North Carolina’s state policies remain in compliance with federal law and give insight on the importance of providing technical assistance to North Carolina liaisons. This presentation aims to inspire action and foster a deeper understanding of the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Together, let’s build a brighter future where every child, regardless of housing status, has the chance to thrive academically and beyond.
NCDHHS Strategic Planning and ICCHP Listening Session
Laura Hogshead, Director, North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR)
Josh Walker, LCMHCS, Olmstead Housing Director, Health Equity Portfolio / Office of the Secretary, NC Department of Health and Human Services
The North Carolina Interagency Council for Coordinating Homelessness Programs (ICCHP) was created by executive order to advise the Governor on policies related to housing people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, identify and secure resources, promote evidence-based practices, and make recommendations for short- and long-term policy initiatives. This session will also be an opportunity for attendees to provide feedback to inform the ongoing work of the ICCHP.
