2006 Annual Conference

Over 1,000 people met in Washington, DC on July 17-19 for the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ Annual Conference, “Ending Homelessness: Plan, Act, Succeed.” Public and nonprofit service providers, advocates, elected officials, and foundation leaders were among those who attended this year’s conference to share information, experiences, and successes. The conference highlighted the growing movement to end homelessness and communities across the United States that are achieving real declines in homelessness. A wide range of workshops, institutes, and roundtables brought together national and local experts and researchers to share their experiences and findings.

Keynote speakers included New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Congressman Artur Davis (D-AL), and Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA). Mayor Bloomberg discussed New York City’s success in decreasing homelessness and placing families into permanent housing. The Mayor announced a new effort to help those homeless on the streets and the closing of the Emergency Assistance Unit, a shelter known for the heartbreaking suffering of children and families. He offered his support for Section 8, the Services to End Long-Term Homelessness Act (SELHA), and Community Development Block Grants. Congressman Artur Davis and Senator Specter applauded the efforts of the National Alliance to End Homelessness and congratulated service providers on their important role in the exciting results now being seen in the effort to end homelessness. Both acknowledged the long road ahead on the fight to end homelessness, as well as poverty, in this country.