“Defragmenting the Homeless Continuum:

Linking Pathways to Self-Sufficiency”

Saffron Strand’s Third Annual Conference on Homelessness
June 18-19, 2012
Richmond Memorial Auditorium, Richmond, CA

Saffron Strand’s Third Annual Conference brings workforce development and employment professionals together with social services, health care, and others who work in every area of the fragmented “homeless system.”

Both public agencies and private charitable organizations face stagnant or shrinking budgets. Their funding cannot keep up with the growth in homelessness and poverty.

“Defragmenting the Homeless Continuum” focuses on increasing economic self-sufficiency among the homeless. It provides a holistic, collaborative perspective and a framework for action among disparate groups and their “siloed” programs. Saffron Strand’s unique, employment-focused conference enables all participants to recognize shared challenges and come up-to-speed on new and existing funding opportunities. This conference helps all to reduce duplication of effort and coordinate individual program strengths for greater effect.

Continuing Education

Increasing the self-sufficiency of the homeless requires best practices as well as innovative new solutions in vocational, health care, and housing services for the homeless. Saffron Strand’s 2012 Conference features national, regional, and local experts on hand for networking with participants. In addition to morning plenary sessions, more than 20 afternoon workshops cover topics across the “continuum” of services for the homeless, including:

If you have special expertise in one of these areas, or can recommend an expert to lead a workshop, please see our RFP for 2012 Conference Workshops (click here to download).

Networking and Advocacy

Saffron Strand’s 2012 Conference also includes the National Networking Luncheon, Evening Reception, Advocacy Luncheon, Annual Awards for Reducing Homelessness, and more. Conference sponsors include the City of Richmond, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Courtyard Marriott of Richmond-Berkeley, and other Bay Area agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses.

Saffron Strand’s 2010 and 2011 conferences attracted hundreds of professionals in social services, public health, and workforce development agencies as well as other stakeholders, including education, non-profit, faith-based, and elected leaders throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to plenary sessions and workshops by nationally recognized experts, conference participants enjoyed networking with colleagues across the U.S. and Canada.

For more on the 2011 Conference, click here.

For the 2010 Conference, click here.

Hotel Reservations

The Courtyard by Marriott Richmond/Berkeley, one of our 2012 Conference sponsors, will guarantee a discounted rate of $79.00 per night (single or double room), plus prevailing taxes (currently 10% plus 1.56% tourism tax) for “early bird” reservations.

You can make your reservations by calling 1.800.321.2211. The early bird cutoff date is May 17, 2012.  After the cutoff date, rooms are priced at prevailing rates. When you call Courtyard by Marriott Richmond/Berkeley to reserve your room, let them you are with “the Saffron Strand group.”

In 2012, “Defragmenting the Homeless Continuum” can help you help the homeless to achieve economic self-sufficiency and rebuild their lives in our communities throughout the Bay Area.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to Saffron Strand artist-in-residence Jen Copeland and professional graphic artist Hannah Poore for our 2012 Conference “Save-the-Date” flyer.

And Very Special Thanks to Our 2012 Conference Sponsors

Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County