Thursday, May 2
8–9 a.m.
Registration/Breakfast/Food Drive
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9:15–10:30 a.m.
Concurrent Education Sessions
① RESIDENT SERVICES TRACK
NJSAVE: Big Savings for Eligible Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities
Speakers: Cathleen Sanderlin-White, Supervisor Office on Aging, SHIP Coordinator and Diane Pantalena, Assistant Program Coordinator, Aging, SHIP Counselor
This presentation will focus on Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) what they are, who qualifies and how to apply. We will also discuss the SHIP program, along with NJ Save programs.
② MAINTENANCE TRACK
Microbiological Growth Overview
Speaker: Alan Rosenberg, VP of Corporate Accounts, RestoreCore
In this session, we will discuss mold growth and remediation. The key principles are moisture control, containment of spores, protection of health, thorough cleaning and drying, and post-remediation verification to prevent mold recurrence.
③ COMPLIANCE TRACK
HUD Financial Compliance
Speakers: Damien Jacobs, Director, NY Enforcement Center; Juan Castillo, Financial Analyst; Dave Roper, Supervisory Enforcement Analyst; Brian McGrady, Supervisory Enforcement Analyst; and James O’Neil, Senior Account Executive
HUD Departments of Enforcement Center (DEC) and Multifamily Asset Management will discuss the annual submission of financial to HUD, common system generated flags, and DEC referrals for enforcement actions and what to be aware of.
④ REGULATORY TRACK
Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan
Speaker: Jason Chang, Director, Regional Program Compliance Division, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of HUD
Guests from HUD FHEO will discuss when a new plan is needed, where to send them and common issues.
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10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.
Concurrent Education Sessions
① RESIDENT SERVICES TRACK
Strategies for Enhancing Social Connections Among Residents – Diminishing the U.S. Epidemic of Loneliness & Social Isolation in our Communities
Speakers: Region Nine Housing Corporation Representatives: Jane Sarwin, MPH, Director of Community Development & Cindy Schwarz, Service Coordinator
As Service Coordinators, we are keenly aware of the meaningful impact we have on our residents’ ability to thrive. We know that our work, increasing social connection among residents, typically yields better health outcomes for them. We also know the converse is true -- less social connection can lead to poorer health outcomes. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Social Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, published in May 2023, brought to light our dire national problem of social isolation and loneliness and what we each can do to help ameliorate it. Loneliness is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. It is as bad for our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Region Nine Housing Corporation, a 501c3 affordable housing developer and property manager serving individuals, families and persons with disabilities, prioritizes Service Coordination at our independent rental housing communities throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Each of our 8 New Jersey communities has Service Coordinators who in addition to assessing residents annually, screen them for loneliness, social isolation, and fall risk. Our success in diminishing social isolation and loneliness lies in our ability to connect with residents and connect them to each other and to services to help them thrive, both onsite and in the community. In this workshop, we will discuss government, academic, nonprofit, for-profit, philanthropic and other partnerships that are helping our residents live their best lives.
② MAINTENANCE TRACK
Fair Housing for Maintenance
Speaker: Deborah Gershen Gennello, CPM, NAHP-e, VP of Property Management, Moderate Income Management Co.
In this session we will discuss how interactions between maintenance personnel and a resident, if they aren't careful, could be misunderstood and result in a fair housing violation. We will review Fair Housing basics, sexual harassment, persons with disabilities and real life situations.
③ COMPLIANCE TRACK
Navigating New Jersey Compliance Requirements
Speakers: New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency Representatives: Natasha Solomon, Manager of Tax Credit Compliance; Bruce Yellin, Tax Credit Business Systems Analyst; Laura A. Shields, Assistant Director of Tax Credits; and Jonathan Sternesky, Director of Agency Policy & External Affairs; Jason Miller, Tax Credit Analyst III
This session will provide an overview of Agency expectations as it relates to Compliance requirements, highlighting key points and common errors for annual compliance package submissions, recent updates to the Compliance Manual as related to the Average Income Policy, and what recently enacted legislation means for compliance requirements moving forward. A brief overview of the updates to the Mitas owner /Property Manager portals will also be covered.
④ REGULATORY TRACK
HUD Updates, Including NSPIRE
Speakers: Brett Wise, HUD Northeast Regional Director, and Dean J. Santa, Asset Management Division Director, U.S. Deptartment of HUD
Dean Santa, Brett Wise and his team will give an in depth look at what is going on in Multifamily Housing, policy updates, new guidance and programs.
Download the NSPIRE Property Owner Agent Guide (POA)
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12:15–1:30 p.m.
Awards Luncheon
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1:45–3 p.m.
Concurrent Education Sessions
RESIDENT SERVICES TRACK
① Interacting with Mentally Ill Residents & Who to Call for Help
Speakers: Community Hope, Inc. Representatives: Jennifer Stivers, MA, LCADC, CCS, Managing Director and Kayla Raff, MSW, LSW
In this session you will learn some common signs, symptoms, and behaviors of mental illness (including hoarding), how to best interact with people with mental health problems, and who to call for help.
② MAINTENANCE TRACK
Pest Control: The Latest on Pest Control, Rodents, Roaches and What’s New with Bed Bugs
Speakers: Darrell Williams, Sales Manager, and Robert Cantwell, Anchor Pest Control
Participate in an open discussion on what it takes to protect your properties from rodents and roaches. Learn from affordable housing pest control specialists about the latest break throughs in bed bug control!
③ COMPLIANCE & REGULATORY TRACKS
How to Prepare for an MOR, including HOTMA Changes
Speakers: Schelika Muniz, Senior Contract Administrator, NJHMFA; Kelly Palombi, Senior Contract Administrator, NJHMFA; and John Korp, Account Executive, U.S. Department of HUD
Staff from HUD & NJHMFA will discuss preparing for an MOR and how it will be impacted by the new HOTMA rules.
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3–3:30 p.m.
Afternoon Break
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3:30–4:45 p.m.
Concurrent Education Sessions
① RESIDENT SERVICES & MAINTENANCE TRACKS
Managing Unplanned Events at Your Property
Speakers: Jenna Carpenter, Business Development Manager, and Mike Wurster, Project Director, BluSky Restoration
Join BluSky Restoration Contractors for an essential presentation on preparing your building for unexpected events and disasters. Gain valuable insights on proactive measures and practical tips to safeguard your property. Learn about the crucial role of insurance in mitigating risks and ensuring swift recovery. Don’t miss this opportunity to protect your investment and secure peace of mind.
② COMPLIANCE & REGULATORY TRACKS
HOTMA & How Management Companies are Implementing (HOTMA rules)
Speakers: U.S. Dept of HUD Representatives: Dean J. Santa, Asset Management Division Director; Gregory Collins, Resolution Specialist; and Andrea Napoli, Account Executive; and Robin Madison, Vice President of Operational Policy & Compliance, The Michaels Organization
HUD staff will be joined by a representative from affordable housing to discuss HOTMA and how management companies are implementing the new rules.
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6 p.m.
Networking Reception & JAHMA Foundation Fundraiser
Friday, May 3
9-10 a.m.
Breakfast & NAHMA Presentation
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10-11:30 a.m.
Sharing the Knowledge
Representatives from HUD/NJHMFA/JAHMA/NAHMA