2 West Bay Street
Savannah, GA 31401

Program Update
2025 Housing Symposium
The Department of Community Affairs' 2025 Housing Symposium will be March 19-21 at the Hyatt Savannah located at Two West Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
Registration is Closed.
Schedule at a Glance
Wednesday, March 19
Breakfast will be available starting at 7:30 AM
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Event Registration
9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
- Ballroom A | Balance of State CoC Pre-Conference Discussion - CoC Team
- Ballroom B - C | Emergency Solutions Grant & HOME-ARP Pre-Conference Application Workshop - ESG & HOME-ARP Team
- Ballroom D - F | HOPWA Program Pre-Conference Application Workshop - HOPWA Team
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. - Opening Session & Lunch - Harborside Ballroom
Opening Remarks: Daphne Walker | Division Director | Housing Assistance Division
Philip Gilman | Deputy Commissioner | Housing Assistance & Development
Welcome Video: The Honorable Andre Dickens | Mayor of Atlanta
Plenary Speaker: Chris Hanks | Executive Director | Institute for Entrepreneurship
1:30 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.
- Ballroom A | Service Delivery, Collaboration, and Engagement in Rural Georgia - Union Mission
- Ballroom B - C | HMIS Reporting: APR, CAPER, and Data Quality Essentials - HMIS Team
- Ballroom D - F | HCV 101 - A Comprehensive Guide to the Housing Choice Voucher Program - HCV Team
2:35 p.m. - Break
2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Ballroom A | Capacity Building: Creating a Local Homeless Coalition - Coordinated Entry Team
- Ballroom B - C | Understanding the DBHDD Housing Support Service Model for PSH - DBHDD
- Ballroom D - F | PBV 101- Project-Based Vouchers: Key Partnerships for Expanding Affordable Housing throughout Georgia - HCV Team
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Dinner Riverboat Cruise
Thursday, March 20
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Event Registration
Breakfast will be available starting at 7:30 AM
8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. - Opening Session & Breakfast - Harborside Ballroom
Opening Remarks: Daphne Walker | Division Director | Housing Assistance Division
Welcome: The Honorable Van R. Johnson II | Mayor of Savannah
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
- Ballroom A | Keys to Effective Fiscal Management for Nonprofits and Grants - Christy Walker
- Ballroom B - C | Agency Best Practices within Coordinated Entry - Local Agency Leaders
- Ballroom D - F | Active Engagement for Hard to Serve Individuals: Building Trust & Consistency - PSH - Advantage Behavioral Health
10:15 a.m. - Break
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
- Ballroom A | Preparing for Priority Housing Model Evaluation - CoC Team
- Ballroom B - C | Fair Housing Act & Conflict of Interest - Jareny King
- Ballroom D - F | HCV 102 - Unlock the Advantage: Maximizing Success as an HCV Landlord - HCV Team
12:00 p.m. - Lunch - Harborside Ballroom
Keynote Speaker: David Moody | Chief Executive Officer | CD Moody Construction Co.
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
- Ballroom A | Connecting to Mainstream Benefits - Laura Beggs, Alison Setterlind, Joseph Hesskamp
- Ballroom B - C | Troubleshooting with Data Quality Reports: Strategies for Success - HMIS Team
- Ballroom D - F | Georgia Rental Assistance’s Eviction Prevention Initiative: A Partner’s Perspective - Georgia Legal Services & Atlanta Legal Aid
2:45 p.m. - Break
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
- Ballroom A | Meaningful Engagement with People with Lived Experiences - Chad Cheshire, Megan VandeBogert, Marquasha Zanders
- Ballroom B - C | Violence Against Women Act & Language Access Plan - Christy Lovett
- Ballroom D - F - HCV 103 - Bridging the Gap: Using Innovative Strategies to Improve the Client Experience - HCV Team
Friday, March 21
Continental Breakfast Buffet will be available starting at 7:30 AM
8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Opening Remarks: Daphne Walker | Division Director | Housing Assistance Division
8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - Closing Session
Addressing Homelessness: Effective Practices in Outreach, Housing, and Support
10:00 a.m. - Break
10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Closing Speaker: Dr. Lisa Herring | President | The PROPEL Center
11:00 a.m. - Final Thoughts
Why Attend?
Discover the latest trends, innovations, and strategies shaping the future of housing.
DCA's symposium brings together industry experts to explore the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving housing landscape.
What to Expect?
Insightful Keynotes: Gain valuable insights from renowned experts.
Interactive Panels: Engage in thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with housing professionals and policymakers. Build relationships that can propel your community forward.
Breakout Sessions: Dive deep into specific areas of interest through focused breakout sessions. Whether you’re interested in affordable housing, homelessness, or homeownership, there are sessions tailored for you.