Innovations and Solutions for Ending Unsheltered Homelessness
Submit proposals no later than 5:00 PM EST on Monday, November 7, 2022.
Due to an overwhelming number of applications, those who submitted materials for the Call for Presentations will be notified on the status of their submission during the week of November 28.
Introduction
The National Alliance to End Homelessness (Alliance) is excited to announce a new co-creation format of its upcoming Innovations & Solutions for Ending Unsheltered Homelessness conference in Oakland, CA, March 1-3, 2023. Content for this conference will be sourced from Alliance staff and experts, as well submitted by experts in the field.
In an effort to foster increased input and collaboration from field partners, the Alliance is accepting presentation proposals for three session formats – Innovations Sessions, Spotlight Sessions, and Transformation Talks. All Innovation Sessions and Transformation Talks and twenty percent of the Spotlight Sessions will be selected from submissions. (Please see below for detailed descriptions of each session format).
This year’s event will focus on the innovative and creative ways that all members of the homelessness system are exploring collaborative partnerships, leveraging resources, and implementing best practices to meet the needs of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
In requesting submissions, the Alliance seeks to highlight a diverse range of voices and perspectives at its conference. Submissions are open to anyone with skill, background, knowledge, or expertise relevant to ending unsheltered homelessness. Speakers with lived expertise of homelessness are especially encouraged to submit proposals.
General conference registration is now open. Parties interested in both speaking at and attending the conference are encouraged to submit their proposals now, and formally register. Presenters with accepted proposals will receive complimentary registration; those who have already registered will be reimbursed for their registration fee upon acceptance.
Submission Overview
All proposals must fall within at least one of the conference’s core categories:
Crisis Response: Outreach and Supporting People Who are Unsheltered
Seeking presentations that explore creative strategies for identifying and meeting the immediate service needs of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
Encampment Management, Encampment Resolution, and Emergency Shelter
Seeking presentations that promote innovative models and solutions for managing encampments; moving from encampments to housing; and ensuring emergency shelter is accessible, safe, and housing-focused.
Re-Housing
Seeking presentations that delve into creative housing solutions and other innovative practices for moving people from unsheltered homelessness into permanent housing.
Key Partnerships and Funding Streams
Seeking presentations that explore innovative collaborations with both traditional and non-traditional partners, and connect with mainstream systems to fund and support individuals who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
Equity and Justice
Seeking presentations that balance equity and justice in terms of fair housing practices, including decriminalizing homelessness. Presentations should highlight Housing First methods and solutions to reaching underserved communities that are overrepresented among people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
There are three types of presentation sessions available for submission: Innovation Sessions, Spotlight Sessions, and Transformation Talks. The full description for each type of session and details for submission is in the Session Types section below.
Requirements for Presenters
- In Person Presentations: All presentations must occur in person at the event. Proposals for virtual presentations will not be accepted for this conference.
- Vaccination: Please note that the Alliance is requiring all conference participants be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, meaning individuals have received the full initial series plus at least one booster by the time of the conference. A second booster is not required. Medical and religious exemptions will be accepted on a case-by-case basis; those individuals must follow specific guidelines as outlined by the Alliance.
Non-Federal Affiliation: Please note: HUD staff, HUD TA providers, and USICH staff are not eligible to apply.
Submission Guidelines
- All proposals must be submitted electronically through the Alliance conference website.
- Only a complete submission is eligible for review. Be sure to follow all directions before you submit.
- Presentations should not serve as a platform for promotion of an individual, organization, or project. Preference will be given to proposals that reflect a variety of perspectives on a core topic and/or lead to innovative solutions to ending unsheltered homelessness.
- Presentation submissions are limited to no more than three presenters per Innovation Session, two presenters per Spotlight Session, and one presenter per Transformation Talk.
- All submissions must identify a primary presenter. Primary presenter is allowed a maximum of one (1) proposal submission per conference. If more than one (1) proposal is submitted per primary presenter, only the first submission will be reviewed and eligible for acceptance.
- The primary presenter will be the point of contact for all communication with the Alliance conference planning committee.
A confirmation email will automatically be sent to the email provided for the primary author once the abstract has been fully submitted.
Submission Instructions
Innovation Session submissions shall not exceed the character limit of each section overall and must include:
- Session title (no more than 75 characters)
- Session description (no more than 500 characters)
- Additional session presenter(s) names
- Background/introduction to topic (no more than 750 characters)
- Two to three learning objectives for session (500 characters per objective)
- Brief description of proposed session format. Preference will be given to proposals that reflect specific methods for ensuring an interactive experience, beyond simply including time for questions and answers (no more than 750 characters)
Spotlight Session submissions shall not exceed the character limit of each section of each section overall and must include:
- Session title (no more than 75 characters)
- Session description (no more than 500 characters)
- Additional session presenter (if applicable)
- Background/introduction to topic (no more than 750 characters)
- Two to three learning objectives for session (500 characters per objective)
- Brief description of what findings or lessons learned will be presented. If relevant, include summary recommendations for others who may be considering a similar approach. (no more than 750 characters)
Transformation Talk submissions shall not exceed the character limit of each section of each section overall and must include:
- Title for talk (no more than 75 characters)
- Talk description (one sentence, catchy description for program agenda)
- Brief description of topic or transformative idea to be shared during talk (no more than 750 characters)
Proposal submissions that are incomplete after the submission deadline will not be eligible for presentation nor will they be considered for review.
A laptop and LCD projector will be provided for all sessions. If you need additional AV or session supplies for your session, please note that in your proposal.
To submit your proposal, click on the button below. Proposals are due by November 7, 2022 at 5:00 pm ET. Late submissions will not be accepted.
The deadline has passed to submit proposals has passed.
Criteria
The Alliance will conduct a review of proposals using a cross-functional team of staff and stakeholders. The team will consider these criteria in evaluating and choosing abstracts to be presented at the conference:
- Meets all submission criteria
- Addresses one of the subject topics listed
- Shows an innovative approach or solution
- Submitted in a timely manner
All proposals are due by November 7, 2022, by 5:00 PM EST. Members of the Alliance conference planning committee will select submissions for presentation. All primary presenters will be notified of application status by November 18, 2022, via email.
If your proposal is accepted, the Alliance reserves the right to make changes to the recommended presenters, program, and materials. Proposals that are similar in subject matter may be accepted and merged at the discretion of the Alliance.
Important Dates
All presenters will be required to:
- Submit an outline to conference@naeh.org no later than January 6, 2023, confirming presentation content.
- Submit all final presentation materials (PPT, handouts, etc.) to conference team by February 15, 2023.
- Complete and submit a speaker details form.
If a proposal is selected:
- All presenters with accepted proposals will receive complimentary registration to the conference. This registration is reserved for the presenter only and is nontransferable. Presenters must follow all directions for completing registration and COVID-19 clearance requirements provided by Alliance staff. Presenters who fail to do so will not be permitted to participate.
- If you are a person with lived expertise of homelessness, and you will require travel assistance to participate, please check the appropriate box on the application.
- All presenters are expected to be available for all conference dates (March 1-3, 2023) in order to facilitate session scheduling.
- Presenters are responsible for their own conference related expenses, including but not limited to travel, lodging accommodations, and meals. However, the Alliance has a limited budget to support participation of presenters with lived expertise of homelessness.
Please direct any questions to conference@naeh.org.