The 2008 National Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) Conference and Policy Symposium is presented by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council with grant support from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The views expressed are not necessarily those of HRSA.
Homelessness occurs when people do not share in the material goods and human relationships that make safe, comfortable, healthy lives possible. The 2008 National HCH Conference and Policy Symposium will explore ways to assure everyone's rights to the good things that life has to offer, through inclusion in the receipt of appropriate clinical care, involvement in our organizational structures, and by influencing public policy.
The Conference and Policy Symposium itself will be broadly inclusive, involving staff, clients, and Board members of HCH projects and their many community, government, and academic partners. All who are involved in the many aspects of the struggle to end homelessness are warmly invited. Please plan to join us for stimulating and well-rounded meetings this June in Phoenix.
80 Workshops will address the wide range of practical and theoretical concerns that characterize the HCH approach to care. Continuing education credit (CMEs / CEUs) will be provided for all sessions.
Plenary Sessions will explore the realities of exclusion in America and the imperative of inclusion.
Pre-Conference Institutes will allow for in-depth introduction to HCH and exploration of consumer involvement, motivational interviewing and respite care.
Networking and Support Opportunities will be available throughout the meeting in regional gatherings, the Conference Reception, 12-step meetings, poster sessions, topical round tables discussions, and a stimulating Resource Room.
Watch Michael Moore's SiCKO on Wednesday or Thursday night. On Friday evening, join us for a Film and Video Showcase featuring several documentaries and educational films that explore issues in homelessness and health care.
Site Tours of the nearby Human Services Campus will explore the shared location of the Phoenix HCH clinic and other services.
Business Meetings of the various constituencies that sustain and advance HCH will occur throughout the conference.
Inclusive Planning for the 2009 National HCH Conference and Policy Symposium will advance in a post-conference session to which all are invited.
HCH Policy Symposium sessions provide an opportunity to freely discuss public policies that create and perpetuate homelessness.
Conference Goals
- Plenary sessions will examine the systemic realities of exclusion, and will promote approaches to inclusion at personal and community levels.
- Workshops will share the experiences of homeless people, providers of care, and advocates throughout the nation, with strong emphases on clinical quality, consumer participation, and systems reform.
- Pre-Conference Institutes will orient newcomers and allow experienced participants to explore important topics in depth.
- Through networking opportunities, poster sessions, a resource room, peer support meetings, and evening artistic performances and film showings, participants will come together to learn from each other.
- All conference events are intended to be highly interactive and to take advantage of the knowledge and experiences of all participants.
- To help ensure optimal learning experiences and facilitate workshop selection, both "introductory" and "advanced" sessions will be offered.
Conference Links:
Poster Displays | Resource Room | Film and Video Showcase
Who Should Attend | Scholarships | Continuing Education
Registration/Travel Information | Registration Form
Pre-Conference Institutes | Workshop Topics | Conference Agenda
Plenary Sessions | Policy Symposium | Networking & Support | Tours
Complete Conference Brochure PDF
2008 National HCH Conference and Policy Symposium home page
National Health Care for the Homeless Council home page