Bridging the Gap Between Health and Housing

In this first of a series of webinars sponsored by NeighborWorks America, NHC and NeighborWorks explored the intersection of health and housing and the role it can play in sustainable community development. Speakers provided an overview of what healthy housing truly means beyond the typical subjects of environmental hazards, and detailed best practices for breaking down silos between the health and housing industries in order to efficiently and effectively further affordable and healthy housing goals. The webinar offered an in-depth perspective into how community development can shape health outcomes and how a collaborative strategy can be informed by health organizations through place-based initiatives.

Moderator

Sandra Serna is the Vice President of Health and Housing at Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF). In her role as Vice President, Ms. Serna serves as program and policy expert on the intersection of health and housing. Drawing on SAHF members’ experience working with health systems, payers, and others to improve outcomes for SAHF’s residents and neighboring communities, she facilitates partnerships with the health sector and informs policymakers on critical issues within the intersection of health and housing. In doing so, Ms. Serna elevates SAHF’s position as a vocal advocate and partner for increased and innovative approaches to resourcing quality, affordable housing, which lead to better health outcomes.

Panelists

Colleen Flynn is the Senior Director of National Programs of Build Healthy Places Network where she oversees program and project implementation and partnership development. She brings more than a decade of experience crafting community development strategies that address health disparities. Prior to joining the Network, Colleen was the Director of Programs at Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) New York City office. She oversaw multiple programs that incorporate health into LISC’s equitable development efforts. You can view Colleen’s slides here.

Romi Hall is Director of Healthy Homes and Communities at NeighborWorks America. She comes to NeighborWorks with more than 10 years of experience working at the intersection of health, housing and community development. Before joining NeighborWorks, she was director of neighborhood collaborations at the East Bay Asian Economic Development Corp., where she led partnerships to generate a pipeline of nearly 400 units, attracted a full-service grocery store, secured more than $5 million from arts and culture and health /hospital funders, supported resident-led placemaking projects, and launched two new collaboratives. You can view Romi’s slides here.

Andy McMahon is Vice President of Community Engagement & Investment at UnitedHealthcare Community & State. In his current role, Andy focuses on collaborating across an array of public systems to provide better care at lower costs for populations with complex health needs. Andy works with UnitedHealthcare’s Medicaid managed care plans employing a multi- pronged strategy including policy/systems reform, partnership building, impact investments, and data analytics to better support our members and improve health outcomes.

George Sanders is Chief Impact Officer at New Directions Housing Corporation, where he oversees a portfolio of home repair programs, New Directions’ single-family homeownership initiatives, and the St. Benedict Center for Early Childhood Education which provides Head Start services for 100 children. George also leads the impact measurement and equity priorities for New Directions. You can view George’s slides here.

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