Day 1: Morning Sessions & Keynote Address (GSHA 12th Annual Supportive Housing Conference)

Streaming Media

Document Type

Video

Date

11-15-2022

Abstract

A Conversation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities leadership will update us on the state's efforts to provide housing and supports to formerly homeless persons with behavioral health and/or substance abuse disorders by providing supportive housing and services. They will update us on where we are now and share what lies ahead this year for DBHDD in the wake of the successful passage of the Mental Health Parity Act in 2022, with historic levels of federal and state funds.

Strategies to Advance Housing Equity Through Federal, State, and Local State Policy Actions

This session features recognized experts providing a national, state, and local perspective on important housing justice issues. Mr. Miao will discuss successful equitable housing policies implemented by local jurisdictions with support from the ChangeLab Solutions Housing Collaborative. Attorney Appley will update us on advocacy at the Georgia Capitol surrounding state policy on housing and homelessness. Dr. Raymond will provide an overview of her research on housing justice, race, segregation, and the financialization of housing.

Keynote Address: Housing First - Putting Proven Best Practices to Work to End Unsheltered Homelessness

The Housing First model, launched in 1992 by Dr. Sam Tsemberis, is an evidence-based intervention that uses a psych-rehab philosophy driven by consumer choice to engage, house, and keep housed individuals with long histories of homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Housing First is based on the belief that housing is a basic human right and not something that must be earned through demonstrated periods of sobriety or other clinical or programmatic prerequisites. Housing First programs have been implemented across the United States, Canada, European Union, Australia, and New Zealand. Dr. Tsemberis is currently working with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and local nonprofits to expand the practice of Housing First throughout the State.

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