SESSION I WORKSHOPS:
- Rising Above and Beyond: How New Jersey Developers Can Prepare for Climate Change
As climate change rapidly shapes up to be one of the most defining issues of our time, making homes and communities more resilient is critical. The Network, along with its members and allies, have been advocating for the need to protect low-to-moderate income homes from climate change and addressing how future development can mitigate its growing impact. In this session, you’ll hear about policy measures and practical solutions to create strong, healthy homes and communities that can stand up to the effects of climate change.
- Building Trust: Culturally Aware Housing Counseling and Financial Education
Sound financial planning can help reshape a household's financial situation, saving them money and strengthening their financial security. Providing services in a state as diverse as NJ requires housing counselors to take a culturally respectful approach to helping clients determine whether to rent or own their home, establish a sustainable budget, and develop strategies to improve their credit scores. This workshop delves into those culturally aware approaches to help housing counselors engage with and empower clients with the know-how needed to make educated sound financial decisions.
- Keeping Up with Demand: The FY26 Plan to End to NJ's Affordable Home Crisis
NJ's continued approach to housing affordability must include a plan for more revenue for housing security and stability programs. As the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is the major, dedicated source of funding for affordable home creation in New Jersey, the state must grow construction and rehab resources to fill the need for more affordable homes, as well as generate new revenue for eviction prevention. Learn from Network staff and budget and housing experts on how the state can better resource affordable home production, promote first-time/first-generation homeownership, curb unconscionable rent increases and disincentivize evictions to make sure we can HouseNJ!
- Community Development Investment Advisory Board (CDIAB): Affinity Group (Workshop by Invitation)
The Community Development Investment Advisory Board is a forum for the Network’s private sector banking partners and members to discuss current and future opportunities and challenges facing our sector. Working with staff, the Advisory Board will foster conversations about products and future needs of non-profit developers and encourage the use of the Community Reinvestment Act in underserved parts of the state. Join us for an invitation only discussion that explores what lenders can do to better serve income-constrained families and communities that continue to be left out of the financial system and the potential partnerships that can create capital solutions.
- Overcoming Barriers: Making Homes Affordable and Accessible for Undocumented Residents
This session will explore the significant barriers to safe and affordable housing faced by undocumented individuals. Topics will include the current state of housing for undocumented people in New Jersey, discrimination, language barriers when applying to housing and signing leases, and lack of understanding about undocumented tenant rights. The session will also highlight advocacy efforts aimed at improving housing conditions and access for undocumented individuals.
- Wellness in the Workplace: The Power of Self-Care for Nonprofit Professionals
Burnout in the workplace is one of the biggest challenges of employee retention. Nonprofit professionals spend so much time and energy giving to others that many experience empathy fatigue. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how to exercise self-care to maintain personal well-being and lead effectively.
SESSION II WORKSHOPS:
- Lead by Example: Equitably Addressing Disparities in Lead Exposure through Collective Impact
How can we equitably address the legacy of lead exposure that has hindered the development of children in New Jersey for generations and remains present in our homes and communities? A collective impact approach that convenes stakeholders across sectors and disciplines while centering communities most impacted by lead exposure allows us to address this complex problem on a larger scale than any individual or organization can alone. Hear from community experts and advocates committed to lead poisoning prevention and lead remediation to learn new developments and best practices for getting the lead out of New Jersey.
- Building Generational Wealth: Putting Families on the Path to Homeownership
This session will explore the resources and opportunities available for lower income households and BIPOC communities to achieve the dream of homeownership. Learn more about the newly enacted Community Wealth Preservation Program, Housing Choice Voucher for Homeownership, and available down payment assistance programs, and ending racial bias in property appraisals.
- Housing is a Human Right: A Compassionate Approach to Homelessness in NJ
A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has paved the way for local governments to make sleeping outside illegal, allowing police to arrest and ticket people experiencing homelessness, even in areas with no shelter available. In this session, you’ll hear about programs and policy interventions that are being made here in NJ and brainstorm about other strategies to protect the rights of our most vulnerable residents, those who are experiencing homelessness.
- Delivering Narratives of Impact: How to Engage and Inspire Change
Storytelling is a compelling tool to engage various stakeholders, including donors, board members and the communities we serve, forging empathy and understanding. A clear and honest story can help fuel donor engagement, drive volunteer participation, attract crucial partnerships, and motivate key decision makers. Learn how to master this powerful art form as a communication tool to help you deliver results.
- Democracy in Action: Achieving Housing Justice for All
Learn how you can help HouseNJ by engaging your clients and the communities you serve on the public policies that are central components to equitable communities, job opportunities, quality public education, transit investment, and public health. At this session, you’ll hear about the Network's current involvement in local housing justice campaigns and a framework for organizing and turning up at election time around housing justice issues. Also, hear from grassroots organizers and national housing advocates on how we can effectively HouseNJ in 2025 and beyond!
- Integrating Race, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion in Community Development
New Jersey is one of the most racially diverse states in the country, and it is also one of the most segregated and inequitable. Making NJ a safe and healthy place for all to live and thrive begins with organizations that practice inclusivity, equity, and diversity. Expanding this work in our own organizations, and across the Community Development field can help address NJ’s particular legacy of slavery and redlining in our policy and programmatic initiatives. As DEI efforts are increasingly under attack, it is especially important that our sector continues to learn from experts on implementing DEI principles in our work and communities, redressing systemic and institutional racism and overcoming discriminatory practices that have marginalized LGBTQ, special needs, undocumented and many more communities.
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