Opening Doors Together Conference
Conference Agenda
Below, you will find the agenda for the June 11th and 12th, Opening Doors Together 2024 Conference.
Tuesday, June 11th
11:30am - 12:00pm - Registration & Networking
12:00-12:45pm - Lunch Buffet
12:45- 1:00pm - Welcome Remarks
1:00- 1:15pm - Break & Networking
1:15- 2:30pm - Session A:
- Session A1: In the Zone with Fair Housing | Presented by Brittany Mellinger from Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
- Session A2: Housing - The Cornerstone of Stability | Presented by Shawn Johnson from PA Department of Corrections and Sharon Leon from Union County Housing Authority Justice Bridge Program
- Session A3: A Focus on Accessibility in Affordable Housing - Challenges and Solutions | Presented by Benjamin Van Couvering from HDC MidAtlantic, and Mason Smeltzer from United Disabilities Services
2:30- 2:45pm - Break & Networking
2:45- 4:00pm - Session B
- Session B1: Call to Action! A Review of Statewide Housing Needs | Presented by Nathan Lampenfeld and Jessie Pierce from PA Department of Aging, and Stephanie Meyers from PA Department of Human Services.
- Session B2: Landlord Engagement: Investing in Relationships | Presented by Timothy Burchett from the Lancaster City Housing Authority, and Rainy Boyle from NEPA Inclusive
- Session B3: Creating a New, Sustainable Model for Inclusive Housing | Presented by John Ungar and Tameata Jordan from NewCourtland
4:00- 5:00pm - Networking and Happy Hour
Wednesday, June 12th
7:30 - 9:00 am - Registration and Breakfast Buffet
8:00 – 9:00 am – 811 PRA Drop-in Office Hours
9:00- 10:00 am - Breakfast Program- TBA
10:00- 10:30 am - Networking Break
10:00- 10:30 am – 811 PRA Drop-in Office Hours
10:30- 11:45 am Session C
- Session C1: Getting from Here to There - Innovations in Rural Public Transportation | Presented by Kristen Hauser from Crawford Transportation Authority
- Session C2: Housing for Individuals with Disabilities: Busting Myths, Providing Choices | Presented by Becka Hoover, Susan Rowell, and Nemesis Vidro Casiano from Values into Action PA and by Sara Crimm from Families CCAN
- Session C3: Independent Living Apartment Units - Innovative Collaboration with Affordable Housing Developers | Presented by Shane Janick and Roy Diamond from the Arc of Philadelphia, and Bianca Waliddin from Liberty Housing Development Corp.
11:45- 12:30 pm - Lunch Buffet
12:30- 1:30 pm- Lunch Program- Domonique Howell, Co-Chair of the Office of Homeless Services- Lived Experience Commission, and Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2023
1:30- 1:45 pm- Networking Break
1:45- 3:00 pm- Session D
- Session D1: Hoarding Disorder: Sustainable Solutions | Presented by Gabriel Halperin-Goldstein from Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia
- Session D2: Stronger Together - A Coordinated Effort to Combat Homelessness | Presented by Chris Kapp from Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authority
- Session D3: Removing Home Repair Barriers for Home Modifications Through Strategic Partnerships | Presented by Jeremy Carter and Pierce Robinson from UPMC, Rebecca Aguilar-Francis from Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, and Adrienne Walnoha from Omicelo