Pricing

• Member $85
• Non Member $100

9-9:30am - Registration + Breakfast

9:30-10am - Opening Remarks

10-10:45am - Keynote Address: Dr. Jonathan P. Edwards

Dr. Jonathan P. Edwards is a social scientist with over 30 years of experience at the intersection of public health, social work, and organizational development. In addition to his breadth of lived experience, he is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Peer Specialist, and Leadership Coach who serves on the faculty at Columbia University School of Social Work, holds affiliate clinical instructor status at Yale School of Medicine’s Program for Recovery and Community Health, and consults with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Jonathan has led one of the largest peer support programs in the NYC hospital system, contributed to workforce development in behavioral health and recovery, co-authored What It Takes: Wisdom from Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors, helped shape national practice guidelines and certification standards for peer support, published extensively, presented internationally, and received numerous awards recognizing his leadership and impact.

11am-12:15pm - Peers as Changemakers: Building Inclusive and Supportive Workplaces

Peers with lived experience bring critical expertise and perspective to the behavioral health and housing workforce, yet too often face barriers to recognition and advancement. This panel will explore how employers and colleagues can best support peers, address workforce gaps, and value the unique contributions of those who have “been there.” Panelists will share personal stories and practical insights on how organizations can foster inclusive workplace cultures that strengthen retention, improve services, and elevate lived expertise as a driver of systemic change.

Featuring:

• Moderator: Will Woods — Open Hearts Initiative; The Health & Housing Consortium's Consumer Advisory Committee
• Nelly Gonzalez — Peer Specialist, Community Access
• Mark Jennings — Executive Director, ProjectFIND
• Jed Albano — Psych Peer Specialist, Peer Bridger Program, NewYork-Presbyterian Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program
• Sharmaine Smith — The Health & Housing Consortium's Consumer Advisory Committee

12:15-1:15pm - Lunch

1:15-2:45pm - What’s Ahead: Federal Policy Changes and Their Potential Impacts on New York City

With major changes at the federal level, New York's housing and health sectors are bracing for significant impacts. From Medicaid to HUD, the landscape is rapidly evolving. This discussion brings together coalition and government leaders to assess what’s on the horizon, what it means for communities, and how providers, advocates, and systems can prepare. 

Featuring:

• Moderator: George Nashak — President and CEO, Care for the Homeless
• Selena Hajiani — Director-Strategic Operations & Planning, NYS Department of Health
• Josh Goldfein — Staff Attorney, Legal Aid Society
• Bob Moon — Deputy Commissioner-Community Program Policy and Management, NYS Office of Mental Health

• Rebecca Zangen — Chief Policy Officer, Supportive Housing Network of New York

  
  

3-4:30pm - Innovations in Health + Housing: Developing and Sustaining Promising Practices

Across New York, innovative programs are reshaping how housing and health systems work together, from cluster care models to gender-affirming shelter initiatives, to transitional programs bridging people to independence. But how can these promising programs move from pilot to permanence? In this session, philanthropic leaders and program innovators will highlight what’s working, share lessons learned, and discuss strategies for sustainability. Panelists will explore how philanthropy can catalyze change, what funders are prioritizing, and how organizations can plan for long-term impact beyond initial support.

Featuring:

• Moderator: Chantella Mitchell — Program Director-Community Development, Housing, and Human Services, The New York Community Trust
• Shawnee Rice — Program Lead, NewYork-Presbyterian - Housing Navigation Program
• Paul Freitag — Executive Director, WSFSSH
• Sean Ebony Coleman — Founder and Executive Director, Destination Tomorrow - Ace's Place
• Rosita Marinez — Senior Vice President of Supported Housing, Institute for Community Living - Health Connect

4:45-6:30pm - Networking Happy Hour

Thank you to our sponsors!

Champion

Lamb Insurance Services

NYU Langone Health Community Service Plan

Supporter

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Comunilife

Spring Bank

BAHN

Mitchell Martin Healthcare

Cozy Living

BronxWorks

Healthy Heart Food

Partner

SHNNY

Concern Housing

Friend

West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing

ICL

CAMBA

RiseBoro Community Partners

Geel Community Services

CSH

Odyssey House