New Destinys 4th Annual Symposium on Domestic Violence Housing: Navigating a New Era for Housing Survivors
Thursday, January 22, 2026 • 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a morning of connection, candor, and solution-driven conversation. Our 4th Annual Symposium brought together 200 advocates, government leaders, funders, service providers, and survivors—a full house and our largest gathering yet—all committed to housing stability and survivor-centered systems.
The energy in the room was unmistakable. At a moment when federal funding cuts threaten the programs survivors rely on, our community showed up ready to act—and left with concrete strategies, new partnerships, and renewed resolve. Browse photos from the Symposium to see the community in action.
The Symposium featured a powerful keynote from Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, a timely discussion between state and city on responses to federal funding changes, and rapid-fire presentations showcasing proven, survivor-centered models—from trauma-informed mental health care to supportive housing, emergency cash assistance, and community-based solutions. This half-day event closed with a robust conversation on how we can expedite the process for moving survivors, and other vulnerable New Yorkers, into their own homes and final remarks from a who survivor bravely shared her own journey, in hopes of helping others in need.
Homelessness and Domestic Violence
Access to safe and affordable housing is one of survivors’ biggest, most urgent concerns, and it often determines whether they leave their abuser and stay alive. Without a safe home, it is impossible for survivors to address the long-lasting health consequences of the abuse.
That’s why convenings like this one matter—and why we’re grateful to everyone who made it possible.
Program
| 9:00 AM | Registration, light breakfast, and networking |
| 9:30 AM |
Welcoming remarks Introduction to keynote Keynote |
| 10:00 AM | Safeguarding Survivors when the Federal Government Fails
A timely conversation between city and state leaders on the troubling federal cuts to critical programs and the latest on state and local strategies to support proven solutions. Moderator: Tabinda Khan, Member of New Destiny Housing’s Survivor Voices Project
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| 10:45 AM | Networking Break |
| 11:00 AM | Expert briefings: Four innovative service models to generate thought-provoking discussions
When the Invisible Becomes Visible: A Collaborative Effort to Addressing Emotional Wellbeing Dr. Obianuju “Uju” Berry, Medical Director of Maternal, Infant, and Domestic Violence Mental Health Services, NYC Health + Hospitals An overview of the city’s multi-agency initiative to provide integrated, evidence-based mental health services to survivors of domestic violence in nontraditional community settings. More Than a Home: Supportive Housing for Survivors Blake Johnson, Regional Director, Brooklyn and Queens, New Destiny Housing A presentation on New Destiny’s holistic approach to supportive housing, our theory of change, and trauma-informed design for survivors to rebuild their lives and thrive. Give Moms Money: Centering Survivor Dignity and Agency by Design Tegan Lecheler, National Program Director, The Bridge Project The Bridge Project provides direct financial support to low-income parents during pregnancy, birth, and infancy to support healthy development and break the cycle of poverty. Tegan will provide insights into this effective intervention and its proven capacity to improve outcomes for families. Housing Survivors in Community: The Effectiveness of Rapid Rehousing Bella Rahn, Housing Navigator, and Yennelin Castillo, Senior Resource Coordinator, New Destiny Housing New Destiny’s rapid rehousing model is the bridge that takes survivors from crisis to safety and stability. Bella and Yennelin will showcase how this scalable program has housed nearly 2,000 survivors by providing access to rental assistance, expert housing navigation, and housing-stability focused case management, a.k.a. aftercare. |
| 11:45 AM | Networking Break |
| 12: 00 PM | Making Our Local Housing Vouchers Work: System Improvements to CityFHEPS
An expert panel discussion on the administrative challenges and urgently needed improvements to New York City’s housing voucher program, with timely interventions as the city welcomes a new era of renewed commitment to housing justice. Moderator: Na. B., Member of New Destiny Housing’s Survivor Voices Project
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| 12:50 PM | Closing Keynote Yahaira R., Member of New Destiny Housing’s Survivor Voices Project |
| 1:00 PM | Event Ends |
Thank you to Our Symposium Sponsors
Our sponsors made it possible to keep this event free and open to the community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership.
Underwriters:
Supporter:
Special thanks to:
Keep the Momentum Going
The conversations don’t end here. Support our work to house survivors, or reach out to learn about sponsoring our 5th Annual Symposium at symposium@newdestinyhousing.org.
Curious about New Destiny’s 2024 Symposium? Visit the event page to learn more.
