Shelterforce’s Conference

Date: April 28–29, 2025
Location: Newark, New Jersey

About the conference

For 50 years, Shelterforce has been at the forefront of affordable housing and community development, championing stories of resilience, innovation, and advocacy that have helped shape communities across the nation. In honor of our five decades of work, we’re hosting our first-ever housing conference in Newark, NJ.

The two-day conference will bring together people who are working in the community development and affordable housing fields, and also commemorate Shelterforce’s 50th anniversary.

Day 1 | April 28, 2025 | 6–8:30 p.m. ET | Welcome Reception: Kick off the celebration with a chic reception at the DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Airport. Mingle with leaders, changemakers, and fellow advocates.

Day 2 | April 29, 2025 | 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. ET | Main Event: Immerse yourself in a dynamic day of engaging activities at the NJIT Campus Center. Experience interactive sessions, thought-provoking conversations, inspiring panels, and abundant networking opportunities.

Hotel information

Doubletree by Hilton at the Newark Airport is the official hotel for Shelterforce’s 50th Celebration. Enjoy exclusive rates and convenient access to event activities. Book here today!

What to Expect

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Akilah Watkins will be our keynote speaker. Watkins is the president and CEO of Independent Sector, a national organization uniting nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs to strengthen civil society. A veteran community development leader, Watkins previously led the Center for Community Progress, and she’s held executive positions with NeighborWorks America and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 

Diane Yentel will be our afternoon keynote speaker. Yentel is the president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN). She is a nationally renowned nonprofit leader, with nearly 30 years’ experience working for, with, and in support of the sector. Prior to joining NCN, Yentel led the National Low Income Housing Coalition, serving as president and CEO for 9 years.

Join us for an engaging series of dynamic, solutions-driven conversations designed to spark innovation and collaboration in affordable housing and community development. These sessions will bring together thought leaders, practitioners, and changemakers—like you—for explorative discussions that move beyond theory and into action.

Sessions include:

Each session is designed to be a catalyst for change, fostering real-time connections and ongoing collaboration.

See the full agenda.

Get Involved

Interested in volunteering?

• Email: [email protected]

Check back for more speaker announcements, logistics, and programming details.

Why Attend?

This conference is more than an event—it’s a call to action. Together, we’ll explore the future of housing equity, community ownership, and habitability. It’s an opportunity to connect with affordable housing and community development leaders, advocates, and changemakers who share a commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Conference Highlights

• Powerful Keynote Speakers: Hear from national leaders and visionary thinkers who have been at the forefront of housing and community development.
• Interactive Panels & Workshops: Engage in dynamic conversations about the most pressing issues in housing, including community ownership, technology’s role in development, and habitability challenges.
• Networking & Collaboration Opportunities: Connect with fellow housing and community development advocates, funders, and thought leaders to share ideas, forge partnerships, and inspire collective action.
• Commemoration of 50 Years: Celebrate Shelterforce’s legacy with inspiring storytelling, live entertainment, and reflections from those who have been part of our journey.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Showcase your organization’s commitment to affordable housing and community development. Click here to learn more about sponsorship levels, its benefits, brand visibility opportunities, and more.

Endowment Fund

As part of honoring our 50th anniversary, we are proud to announce the launch of the Shelterforce Endowment Fund. This initiative is designed to ensure the sustainability of our mission and the ability to continue our vital work for years to come. By contributing to our endowment fund, you are investing in a legacy of powerful journalism and advocacy for housing equity and community development.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, or to contribute to the Shelterforce Endowment Fund, please contact Shelterforce’s CEO and Publisher Schlonn Hawkins at [email protected].

Together, we can shape a stronger, more equitable future!

Thanks to our sponsors

---