Southest Institute on Homelessness and Supportive Housing Hosts National Speakers

The Institute's goal is to improve the quality of life of homeless and at-risk individuals throughout the southeast region.

The Southeast Institute on Homelessness and Supportive Housing, an annual conference convened through the collaboration of the Florida Coalition for the Homeless (FCH) and the Florida Supportive Housing Coalition was held October 24-25, 2010 in Clearwater and was attended by over 400 people.

The conference featured national and state leaders included:

  • Anton Gunn,, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Ed Jennings, Jr. Regional Administrator, U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development
  • George Sheldon, Secretary, Florida Department of Children & Families
  • Barbara Poppe, Executive Director, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness
  • Nan Roman, President, National Alliance to End Homelessness
  • Barbara Duffield, Policy Director, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth

The mission of the Institute to expand the knowledge and capacity of stakeholders to improve the quality of life of homeless and at-risk individuals throughout the Southeastern United States was achieved with eight separate tracks, ranging from developing community-based housing to supportive services, as well as how to plan to address the housing needs of veterans and youths aging out of foster care.

The Institute fulfilled this mission by bringing together National, Regional, State, and Local experts to share their knowledge of best practices and strategies for increasing the provision of quality, affordable, and universally accessible supportive housing for the purpose of promoting self-determination, community integration and economic self-sufficiency for special needs populations and families.

Due to the Conference's marked relevance, effectiveness and success, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) partners with FLSHC and FCH to host the event. DCF is partnering because of the dire need for quality services and housing affordable to those the agency serves. In addition, the Department of Education (DOE) is conducting a tract to enhance educators' ability to address the needs of homeless students.

Thanks as well to our other sponsors who helped make this important educational opportunity available in Florida.

Conference sponsors:

  • Bank of America
  • Department of Children and Families
  • Florida Homeless Education, Department of Education
  • PAEC
  • Fannie Mae
  • Bowman Systems
  • Florida Hosing Finance Corporation
  • IMB
  • Wachovia/Wells Fargo Company
  • University of South Florida
  • Florida Department of Health
  • Eckerd Family Foundation
  • Operation PAR
  • The Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities
  • Brow and Brown Insurance
  • Citrus Health Network, Inc.
  • ClientTrack
  • Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County
  • National Equity Fund
  • Magellan Health Services

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