2024 Housing is Healthcare Summit

October 7, 5:30-7:30 PM

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring diverse perspectives from various agencies and service providers addressing homelessness and housing in Helena. This session brings together voices from multiple sectors to highlight communication gaps and the lack of coordination that can hinder effective service delivery. Through real-world examples, we will explore the downstream impacts of decisions made in siloed systems. Our experienced facilitator will guide the discussion towards ongoing communication and partnership strategies that can help bridge these gaps. The session aims to foster a sense of collective effort among housing and service providers, emphasizing the importance of working together to create a supportive and integrated community. Attendees will be encouraged to consider what our community would look like if systems worked seamlessly together and to identify practical solutions for achieving this vision.
 

This panel sets the stage for the week's theme of moving beyond merely identifying gaps to actively addressing them, promoting a collaborative approach to overcoming the barriers faced by our community.

October 8, 9-10 AM

Explore innovative strategies for integrating systems to improve outcomes for individuals navigating multiple public services. This session addresses the complexities of treatment plans and the broader impact of legislative/policy decisions and highlights the ripple effects of policy choices on interconnected systems.

October 8, 10-11 AM

Gain a comprehensive understanding of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and prepare for the upcoming shift in care models. This session provides an overview of the essential components, benefits, and challenges of CCBHCs, offering attendees valuable insights into their role in enhancing community mental health services. Learn what to expect as the current care model transitions to CCBHCs and how this change will impact service delivery and outcomes.

October 8, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively navigate the legislative process. This training session offers practical tips and strategies for advocacy, empowering participants to influence policy and drive positive change within their communities. Open to all experience levels, this session is designed to enhance your ability to participate in legislative processes effectively.

October 8, 12:30-1:30 PM

Highlight and discuss the anticipated legislative developments impacting the criminal justice system in the 2025 session. This session provides an overview of upcoming bills and their potential effects on low-income and justice-involved individuals, rates of revocation, and prison capacity, with an eye toward the intersection between the criminal justice system and housing instability.

October 8, 4-6 PM
Target Audience: Legal Professionals, Policy Makers, Community Members

Explore the outcomes of various bail options and their impact on community safety in Lewis & Clark County. This session links housing stability with justice system reforms, highlighting evidence-based practices for improving public safety and supporting community stability.

October 9, 7-8:30 AM

Join us for a breakfast event dedicated to expressing our gratitude to Helena area landlords and property managers. This engaging morning session celebrates the vital partnerships that drive positive change in our community, featuring updates on key housing initiatives and recognition of landlord contributions.

October 9, 8:30-9:30 AM

Learn the basics of housing vouchers and the new NSPIRE standards. This informative session covers voucher program eligibility, application processes, and compliance with the latest inspection protocols, equipping participants with the knowledge to effectively navigate housing assistance programs.

October 9, 10-11 AM

Participate in a panel discussion on the upcoming housing initiatives in the 2025 legislature. Topics include the Housing Fairness Tax Credit, housing reports, and other key bills. Representatives from the MT Housing Coalition will provide insights into the legislative agenda and its potential impact on housing policies.

October 9, 11 AM-12 PM

Discover the evidence based Housing First approach and its significance in preventing and ending homelessness and fostering community growth. This session outlines the principles of Housing First, showcasing its effectiveness in promoting stability and well-being for individuals and communities.

October 9, 1-2 PM

Examine recent Supreme Court decisions and their implications for local communities. This session focuses on the case related to Grants Pass, discussing its impact on housing policies, community planning, and legal precedents affecting homelessness and housing rights.

October 9, 2:30-4 PM

Get the latest updates on Helena's community housing projects. This session covers ongoing and upcoming initiatives, including United Way’s Permanent Supportive Housing project, Good Samaritan Ministries’s Ruth's Place, YWCA and Rocky collaboration, Family Promise developments, Helena Housing Authority repositioning, and Habitat for Humanity efforts.

October 9, 5:30-6:30 PM
Target Audience: Landlords, Property Managers, Housing Providers

Understand the importance of trauma-informed care in behavioral health and housing contexts. This session uses real client profiles to illustrate best practices and effective approaches for supporting individuals with complex needs, emphasizing the critical role of landlords and housing providers.

October 10, 9-10 AM

An introductory session on Medicaid, providing a comprehensive overview of the program's structure, eligibility, and benefits. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of how Medicaid operates, focusing on its role in supporting community health and the benefits it provides beyond medical care. This session will clarify what Medicaid is and what it is not, laying the groundwork for "Medicaid Expansion Explained" and making it ideal for participants who are not currently familiar with Medicaid.

October 10, 10:15-11:15 AM

Dive into the details of Medicaid expansion, including its impacts on healthcare access and the economy. This session will present a balanced view of the benefits and challenges of Medicaid expansion, as well as potential future scenarios. Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the current landscape and future implications of Medicaid expansion, providing a foundation for informed discussion.

October 10, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM

Explore the relationship between the economy and Medicaid. This session aims to provide an objective overview of Medicaid expansion, examining the economic impacts if it is not renewed. Participants will gain insights into various perspectives, enabling them to engage in informed discussions with legislators and other stakeholders about the future of Medicaid expansion and its role in economic stability and community health.

October 10, 2-3 PM

Discover innovative approaches and recent advancements in Medicaid. This session highlights successful initiatives and best practices from across the country, showcasing how Medicaid can be leveraged to improve health outcomes and support vulnerable populations.

October 11, 9 AM-12 PM

Conclude the week with an open and productive dialogue about Helena's housing challenges and opportunities. This community conversation invites all stakeholders to share their insights and ideas for moving forward. We will reflect on the week's sessions, identify key takeaways, and brainstorm innovative solutions to foster a more resilient, inclusive, and supportive community. This session aims to create actionable plans and strengthen collaborations, ensuring that the progress made during the week translates into tangible improvements for our community.