Homelessness

Schedule

• Monday, February 12, 12 pm

  Watch Replay Now: Homelessness & vulnerable populations in Iowa

  Moderator: Zack Kucharski

  Panelists: Courtney Guntly, Tim Wilson, Mary Kenion

  Nearly 2,500 people in Iowa are homeless, according to the most recent statewide census data. This session will look at homelessness around the state and the programs and resources that are in place to address it. We'll also look at what's being done at the national level and how some of those programs are being implemented within the state.

  
  

• Tuesday, February 13, 12 pm

  Watch Replay Now: Supporting Homeless Populations with Unique Circumstances

  Moderator: Emily Andersen

  Panelists: Bronis Perteit, Angie Arthur, Karen Abendroth, Hope Metheny

  The diversity of homeless populations requires the adaptation of support services. Who is leading the work in providing services for homeless veterans, families, the elderly, those escaping domestic violence, and young people who have aged out of the foster care system? This session will explore the gaps in serving these vulnerable populations.

  
  

• Wednesday, February 14, 12 pm

  Watch Replay Now: Stitching the Patchwork of Homelessness Resources Together

  Moderator: Elijah Decious

  Panelists: Erin Sullivan, Sara Buck, Amber Lewis, J’nae Peterman

  Resources for those experiencing homelessness are often a patchwork of city, county, state, federal and nonprofit resources. What are the biggest gaps between resources, and how can entities seamlessly blanket jurisdictions to better serve populations in need? This session will look at what has worked in other markets, how unrelated individuals and businesses can help with needs they see, and the success of other communication strategies.

  
  

• Thursday, February 15, 12 pm

  Watch Replay Now: Housing for Vulnerable Populations

  Moderator: Marissa Payne

  Panelists: Emily Osweiler, Jennifer Pratt, Karey Chase, Jodi Stumbo, Christine Hayes

  With construction cost spikes and inflation making financing a challenge, it’s a tricky environment for affordable housing construction. Tenants experiencing homelessness or other challenges typically need services to stay successfully housed. But keeping rent affordable, and funding and filling the staff positions to sustain these services can be a challenge. Who’s addressing residents’ needs? And how can communities pursue housing projects that meet the needs of their most vulnerable residents?

  
  

• Friday, February 16, 12 pm

  Watch Replay Now: Policymaking to protect housing as a human right.

  Moderator: Marissa Payne

  Panelists: Elizabeth Kurtz, Ashley Balius, Jack Hatch, Jessica Andino

  The work of creating lasting solutions to keep high-need populations housed may run into bureaucratic snags. Public officials sometimes lack the will to create meaningful housing solutions, developers can be reluctant to take on the financial risk inherent in affordable housing and residents may push back because of biases against vulnerable populations. How can communities work through these forces to provide housing as a basic human right for their residents?