Conversations for Recovery Housing
The Institute for Policy and Governance and the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech present "Conversations for Recovery Housing" on May 11, 2023, a virtual development and innovation summit featuring expert speakers in recovery housing development and programming for underserved recovery communities, with an emphasis on the Housing First approach. A morning and afternoon session will include presentations and discussion with panelists, followed by Q&A and roundtable breakouts.
Free and open to the public with support from the University of Baltimore’s Center for Drug Policy and Prevention (CDPP) Combating Overdose Through Community-level Intervention Initiative (COCLI), funded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Summit Schedule
Introductions (9:30 a.m.)
- Sam Rasoul, 11th District, Virginia House of Delegates. How Policymakers Can Champion SUD Treatment and Recovery Housing, Address Stigma, and Promote Partnerships for Strengthening the Recovery Ecosystem
- Lara Nagle, Community-Based Research Manager, Institute for Policy and Governance. Findings from the 2021 Recovery Housing Stakeholder Engagement Process with the Roanoke Valley Collective Response
Morning Session (10 a.m. to Noon): Development of Recovery Housing Facilities
Moderated by Mel Jones O’Brien, Associate Director, Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech
The morning session will feature conversations about supportive housing development for Housing First and recovery communities. Panelists will discuss their development experiences and approaches, critical resources for successful development, and tips for getting started in the development space.
Panel (45 mins.)
- Elizabeth Nice, Associate Director of Real Estate Development, Virginia Supportive Housing
- Erica Sims, Executive Director for Strategy and Sustainability, Housing Forward Virginia
- Stacy Lowry, Director, Mecklenburg County, NC, Community Support Services, MeckFUSE
- B. Cory Schwartz, Deputy Director, Recovery Housing Program, Office of Block Grant Assistance, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Q&A (15 mins.)
Roundtable (1 hour)
The roundtable will engage panelists in response to webinar participant questions submitted during registration and the panels, as well as program-specific questions prepared in conversation with panelists.
NOON BREAK
Afternoon Session (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.): Operation of Recovery Housing and Housing First Programs
Moderated by Mary Beth Dunkenberger, Deputy Director, and Lara Nagle, Community-Based Research Manager, Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance
The afternoon session will address operational considerations for recovery housing programs, with a focus on gender inclusivity, harm reduction, and providing safe, stable and sustainable housing as a gateway to recovery. Panelists will present their various organizational approaches with ample opportunity for Q&A with attendees.
Panel (45 mins.)
- Richelle Hayes, Housing Specialist, Virginia Supportive Housing
- Lisa Grillo, SUD Program Manager, Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC)
- Sean Robinson, MeckFUSE Director, A Roof Above
- Dave Johnson, CEO, Fletcher Group
Q&A (15 mins.)
Roundtable (1 hour)
The roundtable will engage panelists in response to webinar participant questions submitted during registration and the panels, as well as program-specific questions prepared in conversation with panelists.