I can’t believe it’s been 23 years since our first conference. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was held in Cincinnati, Ohio and we called it “A Time To Share”. Little did I know how profound that would be, because that sense of community has only grown over time and continues to today. Now we are headed to our 15th National Conference in Washington, DC, this October 13 – 16. This time around the title is “United We Serve” and once again captures so perfectly a theme that is very needed in our country and communities.
2013 in Atlanta.
I’m really looking forward to this year’s national conference, particularly to being with people around the country who are united in common cause and believe that every family needs a decent and affordable place to call home. I am also looking forward to hearing from our keynote speaker, Krista Tippett, award-winning journalist, author, and host of NPR’s On Being, as well as listening to the conversation between Dr. Ben Carson, the Secretary of HUD, and members of our Guest Advisory Council on the implications of HUD policy on family homelessness nationwide.
The final day of our conference is Advocacy Day. I hope you will join me to meet with our legislators on Capitol Hill. With the HUD Budget being threatened with a 15% cut, our voices need to be heard now more than ever. This cut could mean that 250,000 children and families could lose their housing. Please stand with Family Promise because, in the end, we all stand united in our cause to find a home for every child and family.
