Series C: 3:30-5:00pm
Listening Session: Modernizing First-Generation Supportive Housing - Astor Ballroom, 7th Floor
New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP) and SRO Support Services contracts have not seen meaningful rate increases since the program's inception in 1987. As a result of this community's advocacy, the recently passed State budget includes funding to start bringing these programs up to modern rates. This session will provide an opportunity for attendees to give feedback to State government officials about their programs and key considerations for this modernization effort. View Presentation PDF.
Karen Pierino, she/her, Program Manager, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Rick Umholtz, he/him, Deputy Commissioner, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Introducer: Yahaira, Domestic Violence Survivor and New Destiny Tenant, New Destiny Housing
Unlocking Resources: The NYS 1115 Waiver and Supportive Housing - Empire Complex, 7th Floor
New York’s Medicaid 1115 Waiver opens new funding for social care services like housing, nutrition, and care management. But many community-based and supportive housing providers are still weighing its financial and operational impact. This session will explore both the challenges and opportunities of implementation—and consider what’s next for social care in New York. View Presentation PDF.
Roseanna Gecan, they/she, Chief Strategy Officer, Care Compass
Marissa Hiruma-Markgraf, she/her, Senior Director of Programs, HEALI Social Care Network
Vivian Louie, she/her, Chief Program Officer, Community Housing Innovations, Inc.
Erin Madden, she/her, Vice President of Programs, Breaking Ground
Martha Kenton, she/her, Chief of Staff, HELP USA
Moderator: Bonnie Mohan, she/her, Executive Director, The Health & Housing Consortium
State of the System: Coordinated Entry in Action - Soho Complex, 7th floor
Nearly a decade since becoming a HUD mandate, Coordinated Entry has transformed how CoCs across New York manage access to housing and services. This panel brings together leaders from across the state to reflect on how their systems have grown, the challenges they've navigated, and how CE is being used today. Panelists will share lessons learned, innovations in practice, and where they see Coordinated Entry heading next. View Presentation PDF.
Denise Brodt, she/her, Director of Partner Services, CARES of NY, Inc.
Ashley Matrassi, she/her, CoC Director, NY 508, Homeless Alliance of Western NY
Craig Retchless, he/him, Deputy Commissioner, Office of Supportive/Affordable Housing, NYC Dept. of Social Services
Moderator: Alyson Zikmund, she/her, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Office of Supportive/Affordable Housing, NYC Dept. of Social Services
Total Wellness: A Holistic Model for Integrating Health in Supportive Housing - Shubert Complex, 6th Floor
Urban Pathways' Total Wellness Program offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing the health and well-being of residents and aims to address immediate health concerns while promoting long-term wellness and resilience and can be credited to decreasing unnecessary ER visits by 50%. Join us to learn how this approach is making wellness both accessible and sustainable. View Presentation PDF.
Anne Hanford, she/her, Total Wellness Program Manager, Urban Pathways
Dr. Mardoche Sidor, he/him, Medical Director, Urban Pathways
Wisdom from the Field: Aging in Place in Senior and Supportive Housing - Marquis Ballroom, 9th Floor
Long-time providers of senior housing are also now working with older adults in ESSHI-funded housing. Hear from them about lessons learned from each model -- what's working, what's not.
Samantha Walker, she/her, Chief Program Officer, Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation
Deborah Lentz, she/her, Tenant, RiseBoro Community Partnership
Roxanne Marin, she/her, Executive Director, Catholic Charities Housing
Mohini Mishra, she/her, Vice President Senior Communities, Selfhelp Community Services
Moderator: Kristine J. Montañez, she/her, Director of Supportive Services, RiseBoro Community Partnership
Healing, Advocacy & Community Building through the Arts - Cantor/Jolson, 9th Floor
Discover how the creative arts are being leveraged as powerful tools for education, self-expression, and community transformation. This interactive session will explore how providers are using innovative arts and theater programming to advocate for change, foster tenant engagement, and build stronger, more connected communities—within their organizations and beyond. View Safe Harbors Presentation PDF. View Community Access Presentation PDF. View The Fortune Society Presentation PDF.
Jamar-El Ferguson, he/him, Production Assistant, Safe Harbors on the Hudson
Lisa Silverstone, she/her, Executive Director, Safe Harbors of the Hudson
Arturo Sitjar, he/him, Artist, Community Access
Helen Taylor, she/her, Tenant Advocate, The Fortune Society
Susan Zelin, she/her, Artist, Community Access
Moderator: Jamie Maleszka-Tate, she/her, Director of Creative Arts, The Fortune Society
Harm Reduction: Reducing Risk, Building Trust - Ziegfeld, 4th Floor
This panel will highlight a diverse range of harm reduction programs and resources from providers across the state. With a focus on the indispensable role of lived experience in this work, this session will share various tools and strategies for providing compassionate care and services related to active substance use. View Presentation PDF.
Alexandra Alma, she/her/ella, Harm Reduction Coordinator, The Bridge
Dominick Marino, he/him, Assistant Executive Director of Respite Services, People USA
Anthony Privott Watts, he/him, Harm Reduction Specialist, Lantern Community Services
Brian Wilkins, he/him, Harm Reduction Coordinator, The Bridge
Kim Wing, she/her, Chief Operating Officer, People USA