Nearly 250 advocates, policy makers and people with lived experience are meeting for two days of networking, story-telling, artwork and collaboration! Workshop sessions will all be led from the perspective of people who have experienced homelessness, and will follow a fishbowl-type structure and will encourage participant-directed conversation.
Confirmed speakers and presenters include:
Amanda Andere, Marisol Bello, Paul Boden, Regina Cannon, Caletta Harris, Mark Horvath, Dr. Pamela Keye, Lynn Lewis, Kathryn Monet, Ann Oliva, Susie Shannon, Eric Tars, Bobby Watts, Diane Yentel, and many more locally and nationally recognized advocates!
Meetings will take place at the Hilton Capitol Hill, located at 525 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC, just blocks from Union Station and the U.S. Capital. Regular meeting schedule runs from 9am- 5pm EST time, with additional networking activities planned on the evening of September 29th, and an Awards Ceremony on the evening of September 30th. We recommend planning to arrive on Thursday, September 28th, and leave on Sunday, October 1.
- Please note, the Hilton is sold out of rooms! We suggest looking to reserve a room at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20001, or another nearby hotel.
Special Guests
Cori is the first Black woman and first nurse to represent Missouri; the first woman to represent Missouri’s First Congressional District; and the first activist from the movement to save Black lives elected to the United States Congress.
Dr. Ruth Jones Nichols is a proven leader who has thoughtfully designed and implemented programs within communities that have informed legislators, rallied community leaders, uplifted the voices of the people her organizations have served and inspired public action and support.
Mark Horvath is a pioneering force in narrative change work, revolutionizing the way we perceive and address homelessness. He is an activist, filmmaker and social media explorer who has dedicated his life to helping people who are homeless.
Unlocking the Potential of Leaders who have Experienced Homelessness Conference Workshops will be led by moderators who have experienced homelessness. Our generous sponsors have ensured that at least 100 advocates from across the country who have lived experience can travel to Washington, DC for this important summit.
2023 Leadership Conference Schedule
We look forward to a full 2-day conference with sessions ranging from Tenant Organizing to Winning Anti-criminalization Campaigns, Working in Rural areas to Racial Equity in service delivery, Policy Advocacy 101 to How to make your Voice heard.
There are a few short breaks scheduled throughout the day, but we are also committed to providing both safe physical and mental space for participants, especially those who have experienced the trauma of homelessness. There will be a dedicated self care room and other resources available.
Click here to view the full schedule.
Friday, September 29, 2023
8:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 to 10:00 AM Opening Plenary: News from the Federal Government
10:05-11:00 AM Workshop Session I
11:05 AM – 12:00 PM Workshop Session II
12:05 -1:00 PM Lunch Plenary: Cori Bush
1:10 -2:00 PM National Advocacy Executive Directors Roundtable Discussion
2:05-3:00 PM Workshop Session III
3:05 -4:00 PM Workshop Session IV
4:05 -5:00 PM Workshop Session V
6:00 -7:00 PM Networking Celebration
Saturday, September 30, 2023
8:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 to 10:00 AM Opening Plenary
10:05-11:00 AM Workshop Session VI
11:05 AM – 12:00 PM Workshop Session VII
12:05 -1:00 PM Lunch
1:15 -2:00 PM Plenary: Faces of Homelessness
2:05-3:00 PM Workshop Session VIII
3:05 -4:00 PM Workshop Session IX
4:05 -5:00 PM Workshop Session X
6:00 -7:00 PM NCH Awards
*Note about Scholarships*
Scholarships cover the cost of the conference registration, travel, meals and hotel room (Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill, 525 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC). All recipients will be notified via email by Friday, August 25, 2023.
Past Events
Sponsor Leaders with Lived Experience
We are looking for support for this endeavor to bring together leaders from across the United States. We will have opportunities to host the keynote lunch, an awards dinner or smaller gatherings during the three day event. We can help your organization with positive media exposure as we intend to advertise this event broadly to both national and DC based media. We will have conference planning professionals who can assist with dedicated social media platforms to get your name out associated with this critical event.
Please contact Executive Director, Donald Whitehead dwhitehead@nationalhomeless.org for more information. Download the sponsorship brochure.
