Housing Ohio 2023 takes place April 11 – 13 at the Sheraton Columbus at Capitol Square

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Housing Ohio 2023 is COHHIO’s first-ever hybrid conference with both in-person and online options!

After two virtual conferences in 2021 and 2022, we will return to a live event at the Sheraton Columbus at Capitol Square, our long-time venue, with in-person plenaries, workshops, exhibit tables, and networking opportunities that have made this a must-go conference for nearly three decades. We will also have a virtual Homelessness and Housing 101 track geared toward entry-level and frontline staff.

Tuesday Plenary

COHHIO’s new Executive Director Amy Riegel will kick off the 2023 conference with an overview on the evolving state of housing and homelessness. In recent years, housing advocates and providers have demonstrated how expanding access to affordable housing can help Ohio tackle other public policy issues, like healthcare, education, and criminal justice. Amy will discuss the emerging opportunity for affordable housing to play a key role in state policymakers’ economic development agenda.

We’ll also hear U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Regional Administrator Diane Shelley discuss HUD’s role in the Biden Administration’s plan to reduce homelessness by 25 percent by 2025. She will also provide an update on HUD’s efforts to address the affordable housing shortage, strengthen tenant protections and fair housing rules, and embed racial equity into the agency’s daily operations.

Wednesday Plenary

Documentary filmmakers Don Sawyer and Tim Hashko’s last film “Under The Bridge” focused on the criminalization of people living outside in Indianapolis and ultimately prompted city leaders to enact new homeless protection laws. Their next film “Beyond the Bridge” explores the Housing First approach, and why so many communities have failed to embrace effective policies to end homelessness. Don and Tim will screen clips from their upcoming documentary and discuss what they’ve learned from experts, politicians, and most importantly – the people who directly experience the impact of communities’ homelessness policies.

The Housing Ohio conference is made possible with major support from the Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, the Ohio Department of Development, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, and Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Registration Details

Two Days Main Conference – Tuesday and Wednesday
$375 for COHHIO Members; $425 for non-members

Single Day Main Conference – Tuesday or Wednesday
$290 for COHHIO Members; $340 for non-members

Virtual Conference – Tuesday and Wednesday (Housing & Homelessness 101 Track Only)
$140 for COHHIO Members; $190 for non-members

Housing Institute – Thursday (One Full-day Session)
$165 for COHHIO Members; $215 for non-members

Members Save!

COHHIO’s organizational members save $50 for each employee’s conference registration. To join COHHIO or renew your organization’s membership – visit our membership page, or pay your organization’s membership dues at the same time you register for the conference.

Who Should Attend?
Housing and homeless advocates, social workers, policymakers and government officials, housing developers and providers, community development officers, fair housing advocates, people with lived experience, mental health and substance abuse experts, attorneys, and anyone else concerned with access to decent, safe and affordable housing and services for low-income people.

Hotel Accommodations
The Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square is offering discounted rooms to our attendees for $159 per night. Conference participants are responsible for making their own reservations by using the Sheraton’s COHHIO rate page or calling the hotel at 800-325-3535. (Be sure to tell the hotel operator you are part of the COHHIO conference.) To get the special rate, you must make your reservations by March 24. There are a limited number of rooms available, so please book your room early.

Directions and Parking
The Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square is located at 75 East State Street, Columbus, OH, 43215. Valet parking is available at the hotel and additional parking is available at Columbus Commons and nearby surface parking lots. (Downtown Columbus parking map)

Continuing Education Units
COHHIO can provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Social Workers only. Certificates will be distributed following the conference via email within 45 days. Conference attendees must sign the CEU forms each day of attendance and complete a conference evaluation form in order to receive CEUs.

Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships will be available to those who demonstrate a financial burden and would not otherwise be able to attend the conference. Scholarships are limited to one per organization. Submit your written request via email to: douglas.argue@cohhio.org. The deadline is March 24. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Problems? We can help you register!
Call us at 614.280.1984 ext. 113

Housing Ohio Conference Agenda

*Please note: These sessions are accessible to virtual Homelessness and Housing 101 track attendees. Virtual attendees will not have access to the other workshops occurring at the live event.

Tuesday, April 11

Plenary 1, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

*Ohio Housing and the Intersection of Opportunity

Workshop Set A, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

*Harm Reduction: Overdose, Naloxone and Housing*	Experts in the field will lay out the basic principles of harm reduction, and help you understand how to apply these strategies in your everyday work with people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Authentic Stakeholder Engagement	Learn valuable lessons on the ongoing work of partnering with Persons with Lived Experience (PLE). This workshop will focus on the need for professionals to meaningfully and authentically engage people with lived experience in the decision-making process. This session will include discussion on reflecting on community readiness, providing an overview of lessons learned with real life examples, as well as sharing teachable moments and learning spaces.
Supportive Housing Development	Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is long-term, community-based housing that includes supportive services to move people with disabilities out of homelessness. PSH is a vital resource to enable the special needs population to live as independently as possible in a safe and permanent setting. This session will address the preliminary considerations in developing projects and planning for the coordination of supportive services for residents.
Influencing Federal and State Policies on Housing and Homelessness	Join this interactive session to hear about COHHIO’s efforts to advance better state and federal policies and secure adequate funding to expand affordable housing to end homelessness. Learn how you can put your advocacy skills into action at the local level for better funding and policies to empower the most vulnerable members of your community.

Workshop Set B, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*Equal Access & Racial Equity	Explore efforts to remove systemic barriers and provide equal access to BIPOC and those historically oppressed due to racism. Learn about inclusionary policies designed to advance equity and HUD’s final rule requiring service provision to be in accordance with an individual’s gender identity. This session will cover guidance to further ensure equal access to individuals in accordance with their gender identity in homeless programs and shelter programs as well as affords equal access to the individual’s family.
Ohio Landlord Tenant Law	This workshop will provide the foundational knowledge of Landlord-Tenant Law essential to helping individuals exiting homelessness and supporting newly-housed tenants to remain stable. Attendees will learn how to help tenants navigate common landlord-tenant transactions such as how to make repair requests, the eviction process, and more.
Increasing McKinney-Vento Awareness and Response	The Ohio Department of Education has teamed up with COHHIO to provide communities of practice and other professional development supports to Ohio school districts and educational service centers. The purpose of COHHIO Course to HOME is to increase resources and coordinate intentional district responses for meeting the needs of vulnerable students experiencing homelessness. This session will provide an overview of youth homelessness in Ohio, the importance of the McKinney-Vento Act and the role of local homeless education liaisons, and the components of COHHIO Course to HOME.
Best Practices Serving Survivors of Domestic Violence	This is interactive workshop will demonstrate how stable and sustainable housing is a key ingredient to safety, health, and well-being for survivors and their children. People who are fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, have no other residence, and lack the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing are included in HUD’s definition of homelessness. Housing considerations are a huge part of deciding what to do. Discuss the challenges, successes, and best practices in serving survivors of Domestic Violence.
Ensuring Equal Access for Older Adults Facing Homelessness	Adults 65 and older are the fastest growing segment of Ohio’s homeless population, presenting new health, housing and accessibility challenges for social services providers. In this workshop attendees will examine the risks and causes of homelessness among older adults, and learn how to reduce barriers and tailor supportive services specific to this population.

Workshop Set C, 3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

*Case Notes and Goal Setting	Recording case notes is an essential task in our work. Learn how to quickly document assessment summaries and keep well-documented notes that allow you to capture newly emerging barriers and inform revisions in the client’s action plan as they go. HMIS is considered the “system of record”, and is considered the authoritative source for homelessness data for your community, which allows for internal oversight and makes monitoring and auditing easier on the agencies.
PATH: Coordinating with ADMH Boards to End Homelessness	Join guest speaker Sherri Downing for a conversation about taking your PATH and outreach projects to the next level. SAMHSA’s Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) funds services for people who are experiencing homelessness and who have serious mental illness (SMI) or SMI and co-occurring substance use disorders. Sherri Downing, a senior program manager II for Advocates for Human Potential (AHP) is nationally recognized for her expertise in homelessness and housing. She currently manages a portfolio of PATH projects from around the country, and formerly served as deputy director for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Homeless and Housing Resource Network (HHRN) contract.
Cradle to Career: Supporting Youth Experiencing Homelessness	Children and youth experiencing homelessness are not a single homogeneous group. They include students and young adults across a range of grades and from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. This workshop will highlight the work of one agency offering a full range of supports for children and youth. Rehousing services for this population also address the educational needs and seek to impact chronic absenteeism, graduation rates, and college-going rates.
Multidisciplinary Street Outreach	Participate in an interactive discussion in the-round with a multidisciplinary street outreach team. Learn how this model of service delivery works to improve client physical and mental health outcomes, engage in harm-reeducation with direct access to recovery services, and housing-focused outreach.

Reception 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 12

Plenary 2, 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

*Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness

Workshop Set D, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

*Housing First in Practice	Housing First is a consumer-driven approach that provides immediate access to permanent housing with flexible, community-based services for people who have experienced homelessness. In this session we will: increase basic understanding of Housing First practices; explore common challenges in implementing a Housing First program; build a culture of evaluation where data informs programming; and preserve the Housing First approach in a tough housing market.
Affordable Housing Finance for Homeless Services Providers	Ohio’s affordable housing shortage has grown more dire in recent years, complicating efforts to help move people quickly out of homelessness. Join the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, and YWCA Hamilton to learn about the basics of affordable housing development and how agencies can leverage a variety of funding sources to develop shelter and affordable rental units in their communities.
Developing the COHHIO Youth Data Dashboard	With funding from the Ohio Department of Health, COHHIO worked with Ketchbrook Analytics to develop a Youth Data Dashboard for the visualization and analysis of data from the ODH Homeless Youth Program. This dashboard uses Homeless Management Information System data to allow for use across Ohio’s nine Continua of Care. The app provides detailed information on youth-specific data and could be expanded in the future to accept data from other youth dedicated programs. This session will provide an overview of the app, as well as the technical and programmatic partnerships necessary for the development of useful data analysis tools.
Homeless Outreach and Engagement in Rural Areas	Join this interactive session to learn about the unique challenges and opportunities of serving people experiencing homelessness in rural areas. The session will cover person-centered strategies, from outreach and engagement, to shelter and housing options in small towns and rural communities.
Ohio Tenant Protection Roundtable	Co-hosted by COHHIO and the Ohio Poverty Law Center, the Ohio Tenant Protection Roundtable is a forum for local advocates to share information about efforts to enact local ordinances to protect tenants’ rights in communities throughout the state. Join this session to learn more about source-of-income discrimination, pay-to-stay, and eviction prevention ordinances, as well as state legislation to crack down on institutional housing investors.

Workshop Set E, 1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

*Fair Housing 101: What Everyone Needs to Know	Learn about the Fair Housing Act and how it protects people from discrimination when they are renting, applying for housing, or engaging in other housing-related activities. This session will review the types of discrimination in housing prohibited under federal and Ohio law and focus on disability discrimination, including reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Narrative Shift: Storytelling, Homelessness, and the Media	More than hard data and facts, a compelling story has the ability to broaden perspectives and change minds. As we push elected officials, funders, the media, and the general public to support more effective solutions to housing insecurity, we must get better at telling the stories of people who experience homelessness. Join this session to learn how providers and advocates can shift the narrative by helping people represent their stories with dignity.
Direct Cash Transfer: Incorporating Equity into Homelessness and Housing Program	Attendees will learn about emerging evidence that Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) is an effective way to provide immediate and impactful support to households experiencing a housing crisis. Cash Transfer is one tool for advancing equity by offering this type of assistance to BIPOC that have been underserved by other cash stimulus programs. Join us for an stimulating conversation about the potential to broaden our communities’ perceptions and openness to fund and support these types of initiatives.
Pets are Family Too: Keeping Humans and Companion Animals Together	In this session attendees will hear from My Dog is My Home, a national organization on a mission to increase access to shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness with companion animals, as well as Found House, an Ohio-based organization which provides temporary shelter for dogs, cats, and other pets whose owners are in shelters, hospitals, and rehabilitation programs throughout Greater Cincinnati. Come learn why, what, and how this important work is being done.

Thursday, April 13

Housing Institute, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Prevent And Reduce Homelessness with Shared Housing	Join us to build your organization’s shared housing capacities. The full-day session will provide your team with: the opportunity to engage with national experts in the shared housing field; practical tools based on effective shared housing practices that are easily adapted to help you support shared housing efficiently; and field-tested resources to empower clients to choose housemates and navigate conflicts for long-term housing stability.
Racial Equity Action Committee on Homelessness in Ohio	The racial inequities in the homeless system stem from centuries of structural racism that pervades American institutions. Join R.E.A.C.H. Ohio to explore how historical and modern systemic racism contributes to housing insecurity among Black Americans, and how providers can disrupt entrenched patterns of racism and discrimination.
Housing-Focused Case Management	Housing-Focused Case Management (HFCM) is a best practice approach for human services professionals to help people avoid or quickly resolve a housing crisis and then stabilize in permanent housing. This includes rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, outreach, shelter, and other staff who directly support people with finding and stabilizing in housing, even if only providing short-term assistance.

Thank you Housing Ohio 2023 sponsors!

Other confirmed 2023 sponsors include:

AARP Ohio

Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Barbara Poppe & Associates

Buckeye Community Hope Foundation

CareSource

CHN Housing Partners

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority

Community Housing Network

Corporation for Supportive Housing

Enterprise Community Partners

Episcopal Retirement Services

Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati

Finance Fund

First Financial Bank

Homeport

Humana Healthy Horizons in Ohio

Ice Miller LLP

JPMorgan Chase

The Kroger Co.

Lument

Miami Valley Housing Opportunities

Model Group

Molina Healthcare of Ohio, Inc.

Mount Carmel Health System

MRI Real Estate Software

Mutual of America

National Church Residences

National Equity Fund, Inc.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Neighborhood Development Services, Inc.

NeighborWorks Collaborative of Ohio

New Era Benefits Consulting

Novogradac & Co., LLP

NRP Group

Oberer Companies

Ohio REALTORS

The Ohio State University College of Social Work

Park National Bank

The Provident Companies

Renewal Housing Associates

RiverHills Bank

Sedgwick

The Community Builders

Third Federal Savings & Loan

Tidwell Group

U.S. Bank

Wallick Communities

Woda Cooper Companies

Other Supporters Include:

Porter Wright

St. Mary Development Corp.

If you would like to sponsor Housing Ohio 2023, contact Marcus Roth, Communications/Development Director, 614-280-1984 X 111; marcusroth@cohhio.org