Monday, October 3 — Breakout for three tracts of sessions
Pick and choose among them.
Tuesday, October 4 — Two plenary sessions
For descriptions, scroll to bottom.
STATE AND FEDERAL
HOUSING ISSUES
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):
A solution to increase the supply of affordable housing
As the rising cost of housing continues to burden the people our organizations serve, considering alternatives to current residential dwellings is an ever-present reality. This session will share the basics of ADUs, provide examples of what has worked in the industry, and the challenges ADUs present. Included is an interactive Q&A to explore how individual NPPs may be affected by this housing solution.
Presented by Joe Czajka, Relationship Manager, Northeast Region, NeighborWorks America
Right to Counsel:
Providing legal representation for those that can’t afford it
The New York State Legislature has a bill establishing the civil “Right to Counsel” for all jurisdictions within New York State. This would allow low-income tenants the right to have an attorney in eviction proceedings. At the present time, few tenants without access to this protection are being represented by an attorney, while most landlords have representation. This imbalance of power often leads to unnecessary evictions.
Cost studies reveal that programs such as this pay for themselves. This session will provide up-to-date information regarding the fight for this movement, and the most effective strategies to support this legislation on behalf of our communities.
Presented by Katy Lassell, Interim Campaign Manager, Right to Counsel NYC Coalition
Good Cause Eviction:
Protecting tenants from unfair practices
Presently, the NYS Legislature is considering a bill that seeks to amend the real property law by setting standards for which eviction is acceptable and prohibit eviction without good cause.
By setting standards in law, renters will be protected from unfair practices that seek to evict them through no fault of their own. Tenants who pay their rent on time and lease responsibly must be given this expanded protection. This session will provide current information in regards to solutions being taken to help this cause and how we, as community leaders, can support people facing eviction.
Presented by Genevieve Rand, Statewide Housing Organizer, Citizen Action of New York
Housing at the Federal Level:
What has been accomplished & what needs to be done
This session will provide an overview of what has happened and what is happening with housing at the federal level. Topics to be discussed include the National Housing Trust Fund, Racial Equity and Fair Housing, and the Federal Budget and Spending to name a few. We have had successes over the past year but there is still more work to be done. Come prepared with questions and ideas on what can be done at the federal level.
Presented by Lindsay Duvall, Senior Organizer for Housing Advocacy, National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)
SKILLS & TOOLS TO HELP
NON-PROFITS THRIVE
Secrets of Grant Writing Success
Too often the grant writing process can seem daunting and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding the current nonprofit grant writing trends and implementing essential best practices can lead to success. This session will provide you with essential information to boost your chances for securing funds for your organization. Topics to be discussed include general grant proposal format, narrative construction, organizing content, structure of a typical application, researching/seeking opportunities, and the ingredients to develop a good project.
Presented by Justin Knudsen, Senior Grant Writer
Proctors Collaborative
Social Media Strategies and Best Practices for Non-Profits
Social media marketing allows nonprofits to leverage their platforms to engage, educate, and motivate communities. In today’s digital world, it’s important to reach target audiences by sharing your message on both a local and state level. This session will explore social media tools and resources available for non-profits, and provide key takeaways to help successfully build, sustain, and continue to grow your organization’s social media presence.
Presented by Chyresse Wells, APR, Public Relations Strategist, Corning Place Communications
Smooth Transitions with Succession Planning
Following up on the Succession Training Series offered by the Neighborhood Preservation Coalition last December, this session will provide an overview of the best practices to ensure that an organization is fully prepared for any future changes. This contingency plan is ever changing and should be reevaluated and updated often. Therefore, the training and technical assistance offered in this session will help participants design a planning process best suited for their non-profit.
Presented by Susan Weinrich,
Senior Vice President,
Nonprofit and Community Capacity Building,
New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON)
Mental Health and Housing Stressors: Education, Resources and Support
Housing insecurity in all its forms can negatively affect human health. Whether it is difficulty paying rent, overcrowding living conditions, or eviction, housing insecurity exposes individuals and families to increased mental health problems.
This session will provide education, resources and support to your organization’s staff and community for intervention with individuals experiencing symptoms of mental illness.
Presented by Denise Balzer, LCSW,
Director of Crisis, Emergency and
Stabilization Initiatives,
NYS Office of Mental Health
PARTNERING WITH STATE AGENCIES:
Resources for our Organizations
and Communities
Partnering with NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
A two-part session with HCR staff that administer the NPP and Weatherization Programs. Whether it’s been a while, or you’re new to these programs, this is an interactive opportunity to ask questions.
“Back to Basics” with the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP)
Part 1: A “Back to Basics” overview of the statute, rules and regulations that guide the Neighborhood Preservation Program. Gain a more in depth understanding of the program’s criteria, deadlines and reporting requirements to best position your NPC for success and maximize funding.
Presented by Elisabeth Draper, Director, Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Programs and Legislative Grant Programs,
NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
“Ins and Out” of the Weatherization Assistance Program
Part 2: An “Ins and Outs” of the Weatherization Assistance Program. Learn more about funding opportunities to lower energy costs and improve safety and health standards for low-income homeowners and renters.
Presented by Brian Dewey,
NYS Field Representative for the NYS Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP),
NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
Aging in Place
Providing the older population the ability to live in one’s home and community safely, independently, and comfortably regardless of age, income, or ability level is an important part of our organizations.
This session will provide an overview of the Office of Aging’s commitment to older adults, share insights on how to identify resources to support our older New Yorkers’ ability to maintain their housing, as well as new innovations that are being developed and put in place in regards to home environment solutions.
Presented by John Cochran,
Chief of Staff for the NYS Office for the Aging
Energy Efficiency for the Future
As leaders in the housing community, it is our responsibility to understand the role we play in addressing the opportunities for low-income New Yorkers as they seek safe, affordable and reliable energy. Do you have questions on how to make your organization’s properties more energy efficient?
In this New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) presentation, learn how to improve energy efficiency and help the environment at the same time. These actions will not only help reduce energy costs but will also improve the water and air quality in our neighborhoods. Where do I start — what is available (incentives, technical assistance) and — what do I need to do: these questions and more will be addressed in this session.
Presented by
Brian Cabezas, Program Manager,
Multifamily Residential, and
Scott Oliver, Program Manager for Equity and Affordability, Housing Decarbonization,
Single Family Residential,
NYS Energy Research & Development Authority,
(NYSERDA)
Non-Profit Hiring Practices
This session will discuss the unique hiring challenges non-profit leaders are facing in 2022. In this session, the NYS Department of Labor (DOL) will provide information and opportunities to manage these challenges.
Topics included are no-cost services for accessing millions of job seekers, job posting and marketing services, best practices for job descriptions to attract quality candidates, and how to access available training funds and HR consultation services. As a follow-up to this session, the DOL will assist interested parties with recruitment assistance and invitations to future job fairs (both virtual and in-person).
Presented by Susan Moreno,
Workforce Project Coordinator,
Business Engagement Unit,
NYS Department of Labor
TUESDAY’S
PLENARY SESSIONS:
Advocacy / Lobbying
Getting Your Voice Heard
Our organizations’ mission to serve, educate and nurture the people of our communities requires us to advocate and lobby to our Legislature. This group session will provide information and best practices on how to advocate and lobby for our programs.
Presented by James Walsh, Partner,
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP,
Government Relations & Regulatory Compliance
Forming Creative Partnerships
with Fellow Neighborhood Preservation Companies
Many of our not for profit organizations service areas overlap with other not for profit service areas. In addition to this geographic overlap, many of our companies provide similar services to the same constituents. However, there are many instances that a neighboring not for profit organization provides a different service than its neighboring company. With this being the case, it is critical that we communicate regionally by forming partnerships and networks when and where appropriate. During this session participants will meet in regional groups in an effort to get to know your fellow NPCs and discuss current issues within your communities.