“Keys, Not Barriers” explores the Housing Choice Voucher and Rental Assistance Programs in Connecticut, including who is using the programs, what they are meant to accomplish, and whether they are succeeding in meeting their stated goals. We also explore what obstacles face voucher holders who would like to move, and how a lack of funding and bureaucratic hurdles can create insurmountable barriers.
Our discussion includes the following presenters and panelists who will discuss the voucher system in Connecticut and what changes can be made so that the system reaches its full potential.
Erin Boggs is the founding Executive Director of Open Communities Alliance, a Connecticut-based civil rights organization dedicated to confronting residential segregation and its impact.
Karen Dubois-Walton is President/CEO of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. She previously served as President of the Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of the City of New Haven, President of The Glendower Group, LLC (the development affiliate of ECC/HANH) and President of 360 Management Group, Co.
Steve Dilella is Director of the Individual and Family Support Program Unit at the state of Connecticut’s Department of Housing.
Shenae Draughn is President of Elm City Communities and The Glendower Group.
Parisa Ijadi-Maghsoodi is a Senior Staff Attorney at the National Housing Law Project, where she serves as the Director of California Advocacy.
Thomas Silverstein is Executive Director of the Poverty & Race Research Action Council.
Victoria Asfalg is Policy and Data Analyst at Open Communities Alliance.
Hugh Bailey is Policy Director at Open Communities Alliance.
Jennifer-Quaye Hudson is Advocacy Director of Open Communities Alliance.