Real strategies from community leaders who have done the work.
October 13,
2026
Halifax Convention Centre
10th
Annual Event
What to Expect
- 1 Day Conference Experience
- 5 valuable sessions
- Networking Reception
- Snacks, Coffee, and Refreshments Included
400+
Attendees
15
Expert Speakers
Workshops, Keynotes, and Networking
International Perspectives
Learn directly from proven global models like Finland's Housing First strategy.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
Connect with leaders across healthcare, government, non-profits, and lived-experience advocates.
Practical & Trauma-Informed
Gain actionable strategies to support front-line teams, address workplace stress, and serve vulnerable populations.
Housing is more than a roof over our heads—it’s the foundation for health, well-being, economic participation, and thriving communities.
The 10th anniversary of our Housing Symposium brings together housing professionals, community leaders, policymakers, service providers, researchers, advocates, and changemakers from across the Maritimes. Join us for a full day of transformative learning, actionable insights, and networking focused on systemic solutions.
Topics Covered
Trauma-informed best practices for housing providers
Healthcare impacts
Working with survivors of intimate partner violence
Delivering equitable, accessible, and culturally responsive care
Practical tools to combat burnout among frontline staff
Housing First policies
Community housing
Supported housing best practice
Integrating healthcare within supportive housing
Meet the Leaders Shaping What’s Next
Our speakers share what's working, what matters, what's changing, and what's next in housing our most vulnerable.
Keynote Speaker
Juha Kahila — Head of International Affairs at Finland’s Y-Foundation (Virtual)
Topic: How Finland’s Housing First model and sustained public investment in community housing successfully reduced homelessness and improved housing affordability
Dr. Robert Strang — Chief Medical Officer of Health in Nova Scotia
Facilitator: Integrated Health & Supportive Housing Session
Luke Smith-Adams — Manager, Regional Homelessness & Housing Initiatives, United Way Greater Toronto
Presenter: Integrating Health Services & Supportive Housing (Lessons from Toronto's Dunn project)
Danya O’Malley — Executive Director, P.E.I. Family Violence Prevention Services
Presenter: Understanding the Realities of Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence; Improving the Response
Ashton Stephenson — Acting Director of Housing & Homelessness, Halifax Regional Municipality
Facilitator: Lived Experience Panel Discussion.
Holly Murphy, RN, BScN, MN, CPMHN(c) — IWK Health Trauma-Informed Care Team
Workshop Facilitator: Addressing Systemic Workplace Stress & Secondary Traumatic Stress.
Coleen Flynn, MSW, RSW, RMFT — IWK Health Trauma-Informed Care Team
Workshop Facilitator: Addressing Systemic Workplace Stress & Secondary Traumatic Stress.
Kathryn Babcock — Founder and CEO, capitalW
Presenter: Demystifying Philanthropy in the Housing Sector
Peter Corbyn — Executive Director, New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association
Facilitator: Getting to Yes: Inside the New Brunswick–Build Canada Homes Partnership, and What Comes Next
Kit Hickey — Manager of Growth & Development, Housing, Housing Alternatives
Panelist: Getting to Yes: Inside the New Brunswick–Build Canada Homes Partnership, and What Comes Next
Nadine Fullarton — Chief Executive Officer, Housing Hub of New Brunswick
Panelist: Getting to Yes: Inside the New Brunswick–Build Canada Homes Partnership, and What Comes Next
Mike Kennedy — Director of Open Housing Canada
Panelist: Modern Methods of Construction
Miia Suokaunautio — CEO YWCA Halifax
Facilitator: Understanding the Realities of Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence; Improving the Response
Venue
Halifax Convention Centre
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Exclusive Hotel Discount
We have secured a discounted rate at the Barrington Hotel for symposium attendees!
- Group Block Name: United Way Attendees
- Group Code: 2610RUNITATT
Cut-off Date: August 30, 2026
United Way Maritimes is committed to providing an accessible, welcoming environment for all participants.
Accommodations & Support: If you require visual or audio supports, or if the registration fee presents a financial barrier, please email us at info@unitedwaymaritimes.ca.
Scent-Free Policy: To protect individuals with severe allergies and sensitivities, please refrain from wearing scented perfumes, colognes, or lotions.
Dietary Needs: Snacks and lunch are provided. Please indicate any dietary restrictions during registration.
Presented By
