Day 1 | May 27, 2026
Registration + Boxed Lunch | 11:15am-12:45pm
Balance of State May Membership Meeting | 11:30am-12:30pm
The Balance of State Continuum of Care (NC-503) is taking the opportunity to convene for an in-person meeting at Bringing it Home! Meet service providers, housing professionals, and other members from across the 79 rural counties of North Carolina and learn more about what’s happening within the Balance of State. If you are unsure if your work lands within the Balance of State map, visit ncceh.org > NC BOS COC > BOS overview. All are welcome to attend!
HUD Priorities | 1:00-2:15pm
Harry Miles, NC Field Office Director, US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Harry Miles will provide an update on HUD’s priorities.
Breakout Sessions | 2:30-3:45pm
Deep Dive: HOPWA
Brittney J. Holmes, HOPWA Program Supervisor, NC Department of Health and Human Services
The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program is the only federal initiative solely dedicated to the housing needs of low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families. It provides formula and competitive grants to organizations for stable housing, rental assistance, and support services to prevent homelessness and improve health outcomes. This session will discuss eligibility and how these funds are utilized in North Carolina.
HUD: Alternative Housing Solutions
Speakers TBA
This session will provide an overview of alternative housing solutions such as manufacture and modular housing, tiny housing, container housing.
Deep Dive: CDBG
Dr. Lorenzo Claxton, CDBG Director, NC Department of Commerce
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides formula funding to state and local governments for projects that build stronger communities. Focused on low- and moderate-income residents, funds support infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, public services, and economic development. This session will provide an overview of how funds are utilized in North Carolina.
Strategic Housing Plan, Olmstead, and Inclusion Connects
Josh Walker, Olmstead Housing Director, NC Department of Health and Human Services
This session will provide an overview and update on The NC Strategic Housing Plan which addresses the housing needs of individuals with disabilities, including people with disabilities who are currently receiving or eligible for NCDHHS-funded services at the state and local levels, who are either: experiencing homelessness, currently residing in congregate settings, or at risk of entry into these settings. An update on the Olmstead and IDD settlements will also be provided.
Breakout Sessions | 4:00-5:15pm
Deep Dive: NCHFA Funding Sources & Programs that Support People Experiencing Homelessness
Keisha Purvis, Supportive Housing Development Specialist, NC Housing Finance Agency
Lindsay Rosenfeld, Lead Policy and Research Analyst, NC Housing Finance Agency
North Carolina deploys a diverse range of federal and state housing resources to address the needs of individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These funding sources support the development, preservation, and operation of affordable and supportive housing; provide critical rental assistance; and facilitate rehabilitation and repair that enable some of North Carolina’s most vulnerable populations to remain safely and affordably housed. This session will offer an overview of key funding sources and programs administered by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency – HOME, the NC Housing Trust Fund, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, etc. – highlighting how these resources work together to expand housing options, stabilize vulnerable households, and respond to the state’s evolving housing challenges.
Meet the Team: ESG
Lisa Worth, ESG Homeless Programs Coordinator, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Chris Battle, ESG Homeless Programs Coordinator, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Alissa Pritchett, ESG Homeless Programs, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Come meet your North Carolina ESG Team and ask any questions about how this program serves those who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in North Carolina. Session is open to all current subrecipients and those who may be considering applying for ESG in the future.
Deep Dive: All Ages All Stages NC
Caylee Weaver, Planner/Evaluator for the Division of Aging, NC Department of Health and Human Services
The session will provide an overview of the Multisector Plan for Aging (MPA), a comprehensive roadmap designed to enhance the quality of life and promote the well-being of older adults throughout the state. Come learn about the plan’s goals and how you can get involved.
Deep Dive: Targeting and Key Programs
Monica Frizzell, Targeting Housing Assessor, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Pamela Chandler, Housing Assessor, NC Department of Health and Human Services
The Targeting and Key Programs are a North Carolina partnership providing affordable, supported housing for people with disabilities or those experiencing homelessness. It pairs rental assistance with services, requiring developers to set aside units for eligible, low-income tenants. This session will provide an overview of the program and how it may be utilized by homeless services providers.
Networking Reception | 5:15-6:30
The Bringing It Home hosts and sponsors invite you to join us for a reception and vendor fair with appetizers, beer, and wine.
Day 2 Schedule | May 28, 2026
Registration + Continental Breakfast | 8:00-9:00am
Welcome and Keynote | 9:00-9:40am
Samuel Gunter, Executive Director, NC Housing Coalition
Lisa Worth, ESG Homeless Programs Coordinator, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. Latonya Agard, Executive Director, NC Coalition to End Homelessness
Renee M. Willis, President and CEO, National Low Income Housing Coalition
Begin the conference with welcoming remarks from the conference hosts, followed by a keynote address from Renee Willis, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
Renee M. Willis is the President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a membership organization dedicated to achieving racially and socially equitable public policy that ensures people with the lowest incomes have quality homes that are accessible and affordable in communities of their choice. Renee previously served as NLIHC’s Senior Vice President for Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. From 2015 to 2021, Renee served as NLIHC’s Vice President for Field and Communications. In 2020, she served as a fellow with the Shriver Center’s Racial Justice Institute and joined a network of advocates working on race equity issues across the country.
Renee has over 30 years of experience in affordable housing, including establishing and leading successful community and region-wide initiatives. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, financial management, marketing, organizational development, staff management, and program operations.
The Federal Landscape Today: Funding Cliffs, Policy Shifts, and Survival Tactics | 9:45-10:30am
Renee Willis, President and CEO, National Low Income Housing Coalition
Marcy Thompson, Vice President of Programs and Policy, National Alliance to End Homelessness
Samuel Gunter, Executive Director, NC Housing Coalition
Moderator: Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, Director of Housing Policy, NC Housing Coalition
Staying up to date on what’s happening in Washington can feel like a full-time job. We’ve brought together leaders from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Alliance to End Homelessness, and North Carolina Housing Coalition to give you a rundown on federal funding and policy updates. This panel will translate these changes into accessible and actionable next steps and help you understand state and local implications for service providers, developers, local governments, and advocates.
Breakout Sessions | 10:45-11:45am
Systems
Beyond the VISPDAT: Best Practices for Coordinated Entry and Client Prioritization
Kelley Hayward, RHA Program Manager, Western Piedmont Council of Governments
Mary Williams, Case Manager, Fifth Street Ministries
Ashley Von Hatten, Project Specialist, NCCEH
Moderator: Jefferey Rawlings, Coordinated Entry Administrator, City of Durham
As Continuums of Care move towards new Coordinated Entry tools, hear from panelists representing both urban and rural communities about how they work collaboratively to navigate Coordinated Entry and ensure housing-focused outcomes that prioritize the most vulnerable households.
Creative Solutions
Trending Topics: Safe Parking and Pop-Up Shelters
City of Greensboro/Guilford CoC; Interactive Resource Center; City of Durham
Cities and towns across the country are grappling with a rise in unsheltered homelessness, including those who live in their vehicles. North Carolina saw dozens of new emergency shelters pop up over the past few months to bring folks inside during a particularly long and cold winter. This presentation will share best practices, lessons learned and what you need to know to get started in your community.
Data
Getting Housed and Staying Housed: Investing in Long-Term Programmatic Success
Katrina Knight, Executive Director, Good Shepherd Center
Julie Paul, Program Director, Lotus Campaign
Matt Bieniek, Chief Administrative Officer, CASA
It is increasingly challenging to move individuals and families experiencing homelessness back to housing – even more so to make sure that the intervention sticks. Three providers from across North Carolina will share tips, tricks, strategies, and investments that have made their housing retention rates some of the most successful in the state, with a special focus on data capture and reporting.
Policy/Advocacy
Building Consensus Around Housing in Your Local Community
Marisol Bello, Executive Director, Housing Narrative Lab
Service providers, faith leaders, elected officials, business owners, and advocates all have a role to play in the local conversations that keep local communities focused on homelessness and housing solutions. We’ve brought in the experts from Housing Narrative Lab, a national, evidence-based narrative and communications hub that builds support for safe and affordable housing options. They’ll share the latest research on public perceptions, ideas for strategic messaging, and tips on storytelling that moves people to action.
Lunch & Lived Expertise Advisory Council Panel | 11:45am-12:45pm
Maria Bryant
Jada Gaston
Terrelle Capers
Keena Lee
Von Nixson
Moderator: Eddie Blackstone, Baltimore Organizer, Community Development Network of Maryland
We’ve all heard the saying, “Those closest to the problem are also closest to the solution.” Now more than ever, making space for and standing by the expertise of those who have experienced homelessness is essential in ensuring our systems are person-centered and outcomes-oriented. Join us as we talk systems improvement and barriers to housing with our lived expertise panel moderated by Eddie Blackstone from Community Development Network of Maryland.
Breakout Sessions | 1:00-2:00pm
Systems
Wide Open Spaces: Street Outreach and Point in Time Count for Rural Areas
Benjamin Horton, Director of Outreach, ABCCM-Veterans Services of The Carolinas
Andrea Carey, Data Center Director, NCCEH
Amber Brafford, Homelessness Response Manager, Western Piedmont Council of Governments
We know that unsheltered homelessness is on the rise, and in the rural parts of our state, these neighbors can be even harder to find – especially if they are experiencing homelessness for the first time. This panel will feature perspectives on outreach, services, and data collection for a soup-to-nuts discussion that will leave you feeling more prepared to engage in rural areas for the Point in Time count and all year round.
Creative Solutions
Landlord Engagement That Lasts Beyond Lease Up
Crystal Walls, Executive Director, HealthNet Gaston
Mitch Simmons, Regional Manager, Nu Experience Management
Phyllis Williams, Outreach Coordinator, HealthNet Gaston
We’d bet that almost every provider in North Carolina has “more landlord engagement” on their to-do list. Hear from an organization that has this challenging task down to a science! They’ll share their strategies for recruitment, appreciation, and mediation with a panel that features their housing navigator and case manager as well as a current landlord and a tenant.
Data
Navigating New HMIS Policies and Procedures for Frontline Staff
Elliot Patterson, Project Specialist, NCCEH
Ashley Jarrett, Assistant Health Director, Burke County
Dr. Cortlyn Brown, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atrium Health
Policies and procedures related to HMIS data entry are rapidly changing in the current federal landscape. This panel will discuss how to respond to field changes and how to center the individual experience and prioritize housing outcomes when engaging with neighbors while utilizing HMIS. Particular emphasis will be placed on engaging with unsheltered households in this session.
Policy/Advocacy
State of the State: 2026 Funding and Policy Update
Samuel Gunter, Executive Director, NCHC
Marcy Thompson, Vice President of Programs and Policy, NAEH
Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, Director of Housing Policy, NCHC
With the General Assembly in the middle of the short session and federal headwinds changing constantly, it’s hard to know what’s coming next. This presentation will provide an overview from the North Carolina Housing Coalition of where things stand in state government and what key legislation to watch, with federal context and potential state impacts provided by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Breakout Sessions | 2:15-3:15pm
Systems
Addressing Child Homelessness through Local System Building
Beth Bordeaux, Founder and Co-Owner, Partners for Impact
Dr. Charlene Reiss, Consultant & Lead Qualitative Researcher, Partners for Impact
More than 40,000 children experience homelessness in North Carolina every year. Infants and toddlers are the highest risk population for becoming homeless, and the numbers continue to grow. Bring your local colleagues to this interactive workshop session to explore together creating a systems-change initiative addressing young child homelessness in your community. This will be a hands-on opportunity to learn how to address the unique needs of some of the most vulnerable children in our communities.
Creative Solutions
Local Government Funding Partnerships: Building Financial Resilience
Rachel Schuler, Director of Community Building, City of Wilmington
Emily Ball, Homeless Strategy Division Manager, City of Asheville
Eileen Rosa, CoC Lead Agency Director, Wake County
Uncertainty around federal funds has left many communities looking inward for resources and solutions. Hear from the cities of Asheville, Raleigh, and Wilmington about how they are collaborating with service providers to step up shelter and housing solutions, as well as best practices for building successful partnerships with local governments.
Data
Storytelling–and Mythbusting!–with Local and State Data
Carrie Chapman, title, City of Durham
Anna Patterson, Senior Policy Analyst, NCHC
Andrea Stough, Homeless Services Director, Cape Fear Council of Governments
When building support for your work, it takes equal parts compelling narrative and hard data to back it up. This panel will provide real examples of how to work quality data into a compelling argument, from collection to presentation. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to leverage HMIS and other publicly available data sets to drive decision making and inform stakeholders.
Policy/Advocacy
Fair Housing and Tenants Rights Training
Zach Tooman, Attorney, Legal Aid of NC
Nick MacLeod, Executive Director, NC Tenants Union
In this interactive session, attendees will work with the North Carolina Tenants Union and Legal Aid attorneys to better understand current tenant protections, resources available to households facing eviction, and options for renters who are facing discrimination, harassment, or abuse. Presenters will offer practical tools that prepare tenants for success and help providers empower their clients to advocate for housing justice.
