2026 Housing Symposium (In Person or Virtual)
About this Event
THEME - Housing and the Future We Build: Ending Homelessness, Expanding Housing, and Investing in Opportunity
OPENING KEYNOTE- JUHA KAHILA, Head of International Affairs at Finland’s Y-Foundation. Joining us virtually from Finland, Juha will show how Finland’s internationally recognized Housing First model and sustained public investment in community housing have successfully reduced homelessness and improved overall housing affordability.
BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKERS
Improving Outcomes and Reducing Costs By Integrating Health Services & Supportive Housing: Lessons from Toronto's Dunn (Presentation - facilitated by Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health in Nova Scotia); Luke Smith-Adams, Manager, Regional Homelessness & Housing Initiatives at United Way Greater Toronto.; Hear real-world evidence of how integrating health services within a supportive housing model can reduce ER visits, shorten hospital stays, and improve housing stability, while lowering overall costs to the public. Luke Smith-Adams will describe the process of bringing hospitals, community service providers, funders, and government partners together around a common goal; establishing roles, governance, funding, and accountability; and translating evidence into coordinated clinical and community-based outreach, supportive housing, and ongoing supports for residents.
Domestic and Intimate partner violence and learn best practice approaches for housing providers working to support survivors. (Danya O’Malley- Executive Director, P.E.I. Family Violence Prevention Services. Danya will talk about the current realities and data surrounding domestic and intimate partner violence and learn best-practice approaches for housing providers working to support survivors.
Lived Experience Panel Discussion "Reimagining Supported Housing." - Facilitated by Ashton Stephenson, Acting Director of Housing and Homelessness with Halifax Regional Municipality. Hear directly from individuals with lived experience as they share what supported housing truly needs to serve those who need it most. This panel will highlight diverse perspectives, offering critical insights into equity, access, and culturally responsive support.
Systemic Workplace Stress Session (Workshop – Facilitators Holly Murphy, RN and Coleen Flynn, MSW, RSW, RMFT – IWK Health Trauma Informed Care Team ). As the scope and complexity of non-profit housing responsibilities have grown, so has the level of secondary traumatic stress, empathetic strain, and employee burnout. As a result, the attraction and retention of industry professionals and the effective delivery of critical services have become increasingly challenging. Join the IWK’s Trauma-Informed Care Team to explore the impacts of systemic workplace stress and learn practical tools for recognizing its effects, supporting yourself and others, and cultivating resilience, connection, and sustainability in your work and workplace.
The excitement is just beginning! Stay tuned as we unveil more dynamic sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and an incredible lineup of featured speakers!
2026 Housing Symposium Theme: Housing and the Future We Build: Ending Homelessness, Expanding Housing, and Creating Opportunity
Housing is more than a roof over our heads. It's the foundation for health, well-being, economic participation, and thriving communities.
Join housing professionals, community leaders, policymakers, service providers, researchers, advocates, and changemakers from across the Maritimes for a day of learning, collaboration, and action. Together, we'll explore innovative approaches to ending homelessness, expanding access to housing, and creating opportunities for individuals, families, and communities to thrive.
Through engaging speakers, thought-provoking discussions, and practical insights, the 2026 Housing Symposium will bring together diverse perspectives and bold ideas to help shape a more equitable and sustainable housing future.
Whether you work in housing, community development, government, the nonprofit sector, or simply care about the future of our communities, this symposium offers an opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of the solutions that will define the future we build.
Join the conversation. Be part of the change. Help shape the future of housing.
QUICK REMINDER
🌟 Join us for an inspiring, can’t-miss full-day experience!
Start your day with REGISTRATION at 7:30 AM, then jump into a dynamic LINE UP SESSIONS from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Get ready for thought-provoking conversations, bold ideas, and expert perspectives addressing today’s most pressing housing challenges.
🎤 Plus, don’t miss our keynote speakers!
We’re bringing in influential voices and industry leaders who will share powerful insights, spark new thinking, and set the tone for meaningful change throughout the day.
✨ And the energy doesn’t stop there!
Keep the momentum going at our NETWORKING AND SOCIAL from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM—the perfect opportunity to connect, collaborate, and unwind with fellow attendees in a relaxed, engaging setting.
We can’t wait to see you there—it’s a full day of inspiration, connection, and impact you won’t want to miss! 🙌
Mark your calendar—this is where ideas meet action!
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
Accessibility | Halifax Convention Centre
United Way Maritimes is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants. If you require accommodations to support your participation—such as audio or visual supports—or if the registration fee presents a barrier, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected].
Scent-free environment: We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. To support individuals with fragrance sensitivities and allergies, we encourage all attendees to avoid wearing scented products (e.g., perfumes, colognes, and strongly scented lotions).
Dietary Restrictions: Kindly share any dietary restrictions as well—snacks and lunch will be provided
🏨 Special Hotel Offer for Symposium Attendees!
We're pleased to share that the Barrington Hotel has generously offered a discounted rate for the first 10 attendees who book their accommodations through our event room block.
✨ A limited number of rooms are available, so don't wait! Once all 10 discounted rooms have been reserved, the special rate will no longer be available.
Book early to secure your spot and take advantage of this great offer.
⏳ Hurry—rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis!
Group block name: United Way Attendees
Group Code: 2610RUNITATT
Booking link: https://reservations.travelclick.com/108025?groupID=5347486
Rooms will be held at the group rate until the cut-off date: August 30, 2026
FLASHBACK!
Take a look back at the energy and insight from past Housing Symposium sessions held in the Main Hall! Under the powerful theme “Old Crisis, New Reality – Developing Innovative Solutions to Today’s Challenges,” attendees explored bold ideas and practical strategies to tackle today’s most pressing housing issues.
From thought-provoking discussions to expert-led sessions, this event brought together voices that are shaping the future of housing. 🎤✨
Catch the highlights and hear directly from our inspiring speakers—these are perspectives you won’t want to miss!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00 to CAD 75.00
