CCB Workshop: Homelessness, Housing Affordability and the Fiscal Cliff

The Coordinating Council of Broward is hosting a series of online workshops to educate elected officials and community leaders on the nuances, complexities, partnerships and solutions that drive homelessness and our housing affordability crisis. These workshops are designed to keep you informed and to recognize local housing leaders and subject matter experts.

Please join us for our second Housing Broward workshop webinar:

Homelessness, Housing Affordability and the Fiscal Cliff.

• Addressing homelessness requires a combination of short-term emergency shelter and long-term permanent supportive housing.
• Initiatives focus on providing stable housing first, then connecting individuals to necessary social services that attend to the root causes of homelessness, including mental health and substance use issues.
• Nonprofit organizations play a critical role in the creation, funding, and management of affordable housing.
• These organizations often partner with local governments and developers to implement housing programs, provide direct services, and advocate for policy changes.

Presenters:

• Commissioner Ben Sorensen, Fort Lauderdale District 4 - Sworn into office December 3rd, 2024, Ben Sorensen returned to the City Commission after previously representing District 4 from 2018-2022, including two terms as Vice Mayor. He is a dedicated leader with a background in military service and community involvement. Commissioner Sorensen has worked with residents to solve key city issues such as the homeless encampment at the Downtown Library and implementing Community Court in Fort Lauderdale. He currently serves as a Navy Reserve Lieutenant Commander and is on the boards of the Broward Metropolitain Planning Organization, Lauderdale Isles Water Management District, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward. Ben and his wife, Anna, are proud parents of two daughters.

• Patrice Paldino, Director of the Broward County Housing Options, Solutions and Supports Division (HOSS-D)- As Director of HOSS-D, She leads an extraordinary team of 55 people who work to provide a wide range of services to those who are unhoused. HOSS-D also includes the Human Rights Section which investigates allegations of discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. Patrice Paldino, Esq., M.S. Ed., is a Florida attorney who has practiced in various areas of civil litigation, including real estate, contracts, and landlord/tenant law. Previously, Ms. Paldino served as the Executive Director of Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) overseeing a staff dedicated to preserving the rights of the elderly, victims of crime, and persons in need of public assistance. Prior to joining CCLA, Ms. Paldino worked for Legal Aid Service of Broward County, Inc. for 10 years as the Director of Housing Rights Programs. Ms. Paldino provided leadership and management in the development and coordination of legal services to low-income tenants who were facing eviction, termination of subsidized housing benefits, or were residing in homes that had unacceptable living conditions. Ms. Paldino’s team also handled projects targeted at preventing homelessness for high-risk groups such as persons living with HIV/AIDS, Veterans, and families in the foster care system.

Supporting docs:

Broward County A Way Home Plan Update Summary

United Way of Broward 5 Year Housing & Homelessness Program Strategic Plan 2021-26

This workshop is designed for elected officials, staff from all levels of government as well as the business and nonprofit community. Don't miss out on this informative session where experts will share implementation updates and strategies for the future. Register now to secure your spot!