8:15-9:15 a.m

30-D. Creating Diverse Resident Councils in Affordable Housing

Housing communities assisted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) thrive when residents are engaged, and their needs are heard by community staff. Resident councils represent one of the most effective strategies for achieving such engagement. This session will share promising practices for establishing and sustaining strong councils that bring together residents who speak various languages and are culturally, educationally, financially, and socially diverse. Presenters will walk you through the challenging steps involved in getting a resident council off the ground, review the latest HUD insights and requirements for these councils, and discuss how a housing community’s staff can work with and support a resident council and ensure its sustainability.

• Rhoda Byers, Executive Vice President, Plano Community Home, Inc.
• Steredrick Goodjoint, Director of Campus Administration, Plano Community Home, Inc.
• Zipporah Dunman, Assistant to Administration, Plano Community Home, Inc.