The 2025 National Self-Help Housing Conference, held from March 11-13 at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, brought together self-help housing leaders, practitioners, and advocates from across the country for three days of inspiration, collaboration, and learning.
Conference Highlights:
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- Expert Panels & Workshops: Attendees gained insights from industry leaders and learned best practices for implementing and managing self-help housing initiatives.
- Networking Opportunities: Participants connected with fellow professionals and organizations dedicated to affordable housing solutions.
- Keynote Speakers: Renowned speakers shared innovative ideas and success stories, inspiring attendees to advance their programs.
The 2025 National Self-Help Housing Conference featured an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers who brought valuable insights and expertise to the event. Mike Robbins, a renowned author and leadership expert, shared strategies on fostering teamwork, resilience, and a culture of appreciation within self-help housing organizations. Tom Collishaw, President and CEO of Self-Help Enterprises, provided a visionary perspective on the future of affordable housing and the critical role of community-driven initiatives. Bob Rapoza, a leading advocate for rural housing policy, discussed legislative updates and funding opportunities that impact self-help housing programs nationwide. Lance George, Director of Research and Information at the Housing Assistance Council, presented compelling data on housing needs in rural America and emphasized the importance of evidence-based advocacy. Their collective expertise energized attendees, offering practical takeaways to strengthen self-help housing efforts across the country.
Session Materials:
For those who attended and wish to revisit the session materials, or for those who could not attend but are interested in the topics covered, the conference organizers have made available a comprehensive collection of session documents. These materials include presentations from general sessions, program management, construction, financial management, group coordinator, board and organizational development, and universal tracks. Click here to access conference session materials.
Looking Ahead:
The success of the 2025 conference underscores the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the self-help housing community. Stay tuned for announcements regarding future events and opportunities to engage with peers dedicated to building a brighter future through self-help housing initiatives.
The 2025 National Self-Help Housing Conference was hosted by all four regional technical assistance contractors, RCAC, NeighborGood Partners, LIFT Community Action Agency, and Florida Nonprofit Housing. Support was provided by USDA, Rural Development.
