Categories: Network Events
11.07.2025
On November 5th and 6th, the Network was proud to co-sponsor the 16th Annual Housing & Support Services Conference in Niagara Falls, NY.
As part of our partnership, the Network organized a supportive housing track at the conference. The track featured discussions and panels that highlighted innovation, collaboration, and best practices across New York’s supportive housing community. These included:
Network Executive Director Pascale Leone helped open both days of the conference and facilitated a conversation with CoC leaders from across the state on advocating against federal threats and strengthening and collaboration in supportive housing.
Network State Policy Manager Steve Piasecki led a discussion on designing supportive housing programs to succeed— staffing, training, safety, programming, and budgeting. Panelists from NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance, NYS Office of Mental Health, Volunteers of America Upstate New York, and Rochester's Cornerstone Group shared insights on effective collaboration between service and development teams.
Network Director of Programs & Engagement Joelle Ballam-Schwan facilitated a session on creating safer, more supportive environments for tenants and staff—highlighting the Network’s Safety & Well-Being Initiative and exploring opportunities to replicate it in Western NY with Lutheran Social Services of New York and Person-Centered Housing Options Inc.
Mona Lisa McEachin, Director of Recovery Community & WNY Peer Workforce Development Center at BestSelf Behavioral Health, led a session on advancing economic stability for tenants—exploring barriers, program models, engagement tools, and peer-led strategies to promote financial empowerment and long-term economic mobility with Recovery Options Made Easy, Hands Across Long Island, Inc. (HALI) and The Alliance for Rights and Recovery (formerly NYAPRS).
Network Chief Policy Officer Rebecca Zangen led a panel on preserving aging supportive housing—outlining key considerations for NFP owners and sharing resources with MM Development Advisors, Inc., CSH Housing Solutions, and NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance.
Network Senior Data Analyst Rachel Barth shared demographic data and insights on older adults in supportive housing—highlighting best practices with/from Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation and RUPCO, Inc.
A huge thank you to all our speakers, panelists, and partners—and to Sara Taylor and Positive Steps New York for organizing such an impactful convening.