Join us as we host a panel of experts to discuss Supported Housing. Presenters will describe how the Pathways Housing First program works to end homelessness for individuals with mental illness, addiction, and other health challenges. National experts will provide case studies to illustrate how Housing First is successfully implemented to address homelessness through City, State, and Federal programs.
Dr. Sam Tsemberis founded Pathways to Housing in New York City in 1992 based on the belief that housing is a basic human right. Based on the belief that people experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental illness or addiction should not have to prove they are housing ready. And based on a program philosophy founded on love, respect, and creating possibilities. At, Pathways to Housing, Tsemberis and a team that included program participants and advocates for consumer rights and housing rights, developed the model that came to be known as Housing First. A program that provides immediate access to permanent housing and person-centered supports to people experiencing homelessness and struggling with problems of mental health and addiction.
Anthony Love currently serves as the Principal Advisor and Director of Community Engagement for the VA Homeless Programs Office. He provides strategic advice and council to the Executive Director on intra and interagency initiatives as well as build community relationships to help Veterans exit homelessness.
James Mathy is the Administrator of Milwaukee County Housing Services. James administers Milwaukee County's various housing programs to include the Milwaukee County Housing Authority, HOME and CDBG, homeless programs and real estate development. James is the author of Milwaukee County's Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and has over 25 years of experience in housing and mental health. James holds a Master's Degree in Public Service from Marquette University.
Maxwell Ruppersburg, MPA, PMP, (he/him) serves as the Director of the Office of Supportive Housing (OSH) with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). OSH is responsible for the Georgia Housing Voucher Program (GHVP), Georgia’s Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) program, and the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery Program (SOAR), all of which serve individuals with a psychiatric disability who are experiencing homelessness, operating with a Housing First approach. As a member of the Behavioral Health Division’s leadership team, Maxwell leads the strategic transformation of DBHDD’s supportive housing system. The office continues to implement evidence-based practices and innovative solutions, including a new billable specialty service called the Housing Support Program, a fidelity monitoring program, and technological system innovations to improve performance.
