Landlord Engagement Strategies

PLEASE NOTE: This training series is hybrid: virtual AND in-person. If you are purchasing a virtual ticket, you will receive a Zoom invitation with a meeting link via email on the day of the training.

Since 2008, Pathways to Housing PA has grown from a team of 70 participants, to housing over 550 individuals with complex needs. As such, finding housing and maintaining mutually-beneficial relationships with landlords has been one of our top priorities. In this session, presenters will share insight into building our housing department from the ground up and developing it into the robust program it is today. Attendees will gain knowledge of proven leasing practices and unit retention, as well as strategies for building and cultivating productive, sustainable landlord relationships. Presenters will provide an overview of the Housing First approach to leasing and discuss the vital skill of responding to the needs of our landlords, while also maintaining supportive clinical relationships with our participants.

Learning Objectives

• Explore strategies to recruit landlords, as well as lease and retain units for participants receiving supportive housing
• Recognize skills to support landlords in maintaining long-term, collaborative relationships
• Name at least three ways to incentivize landlord engagement in your program

Presenter Bios

Andrew Spiers, MSS, LSW (he/him) is the Director of Training and Technical Assistance for Pathways to Housing PA’s Housing First University. Andrew joined Pathways in early 2018 and served as an Assistant Team Leader and Team Leader before launching Housing First University in October 2019. Andrew holds a Master of Social Service from Bryn Mawr College’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, where he concentrated in Community Practice, Policy, & Advocacy. He has taught Human Services and Sociology courses as an adjunct professor at Harcum College and conducted trainings and workshops all over the country on Housing First, harm reduction, and affirming care for LGBTQ+ communities.

John Lambert, MA (he/him), is an avid advocate for the Housing First model, and has served as the Director of Housing for Pathways since 2008. John received his B.A. in Sociology from Ramapo State College and his M.A. degree from Rutgers University. He came to Pathways to Housing PA with a diverse employment background which includes working as a teacher and a certified Substance Abuse Counselor. In 2000, John moved to the South Jersey/Delaware Valley area and joined the staff of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern PA (MHASP). He received training and certification as a Targeted Case Manager, and later became the Program Manager for a low income housing project for people with mental health issues. After spending several years learning the "ins and outs" of housing alternatives for people dealing with behavioral health/substance abuse issues, he brought his wealth of knowledge to Pathways to Housing PA, where he faithfully serves the chronically homeless population in Philadelphia.

Continuing Education Statement

Housing First University: a program of Pathways to Housing PA, Provider number 1759, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. All other non-social work professionals, please check with your board of accreditation to ensure this training meets your licensing needs.