Homelessness is a pervasive, multifaceted problem that affects the health and economic opportunities of individuals and families throughout the nation. This workshop will provide information on how social service agencies can support individuals and families experiencing homelessness by accessing state and federally funded housing programs and collaborating with housing service providers to implement these program in their local community. Attendees will get an overview of recently funded homeless initiatives including the CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP), the HUD-funded Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP), the Bringing Families Home (BFH) program, and the Housing Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP). An interactive discussion will address the value collaboration brings to program implementation as well as the challenges and lessons learned related to coordinating housing efforts. Leave this workshop feeling ready to advocate, educate and collaborate in order to end homelessness in California.

Collaborating and Connecting Housing Partners

• Ali Sutton, Chief, Housing, Homelessness & Civil Rights Branch, California Department of Social Services
• Sharon McDonald, Director for Families & Youth, National Alliance to End Homelessness
• Tom Stagg, Director of Programs, Homeless Services Center
• Jessica Scheiner, Senior Human Services Analyst, County of Santa Cruz, Human Services Department