Through keynote presentations, interactive workshops, cross‑sector panels, and networking sessions, attendees will explore emerging strategies, evidence‑based models, financing solutions, and policy priorities that strengthen supportive housing systems. The Forum will serve as a catalyst for building shared goals, deepening partnerships, and accelerating Maryland’s efforts to expand housing stability, improve health outcomes, and reduce homelessness.

By uniting diverse voices and driving forward-thinking solutions, the 2026 Maryland Supportive Housing Forum will help shape the next era of supportive housing across the state.

This Forum is led by CSH – Corporation for Supportive Housing, with support from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

Bring together state agencies, service providers, housing developers, healthcare partners, and community organizations to align priorities, share best practices, and build coordinated strategies that expand supportive housing options across the state. 

Highlight proven supportive housing models, showcase successful state and local initiatives, and equip attendees with actionable tools to improve housing stability, behavioral health outcomes, and long‑term self‑sufficiency for vulnerable populations. 

Identify statewide policy gaps, explore financing opportunities, and develop a shared roadmap to scale supportive housing—emphasizing sustainable funding structures, regulatory improvements, and workforce development. 

More details will be available over the coming months. Check back here for updates.

Plenary Sessions

Returning Home©: A Film Screening and Discussion on Replicating Supportive Housing for Reentry
Join us for a screening of Returning Home©, a powerful film that highlights the experiences of people returning to their communities after incarceration and the critical role that stable housing plays in successful reentry. Through personal stories of resilience, the film illustrates how supportive housing can help break cycles of homelessness, improve stability, and reduce recidivism. 

Following the screening, a panel of experts and practitioners will explore how communities can replicate the proven Returning Home model. Discussion will focus on the partnerships, housing strategies, funding approaches, and service delivery systems needed to create supportive housing opportunities for people leaving incarceration. Participants will leave with practical insights and ideas for advancing housing-centered reentry solutions in their own communities.

Strengthening Systems, Expanding Solutions, Advancing Supportive Housing. 
Maryland stands at a pivotal moment in advancing supportive housing as a proven solution to homelessness, housing instability, and complex health and social service needs. This opening plenary will explore the opportunities and investments needed to strengthen systems, expand housing resources, and accelerate the development of supportive housing across the state.  

Following opening remarks from CSH leadership, a panel of experts from the lending, policy, and philanthropic sectors will discuss strategies for financing supportive housing, leveraging cross-sector partnerships, and aligning resources to meet growing demand. Participants will gain insight into emerging opportunities and the collaborative approaches needed to create sustainable housing solutions for Maryland's most vulnerable residents.

Whole-Person Systems Alignment for Supportive Housing
Creating and sustaining supportive housing requires strong coordination across housing, health, human services, and community systems. This plenary session will highlight Maryland's commitment to whole-person care and explore how cross-sector collaboration can improve outcomes for individuals and families facing housing instability.  

Through remarks from state and local leaders and a discussion of emerging priorities, participants will learn about efforts to align policies, funding, and services to advance housing stability, health equity, and community well-being. The session will set the stage for a day focused on innovative solutions and collective action. 

What’s Next: Implementing the Future of Supportive Housing in Maryland 
As the Forum concludes, this closing plenary will focus on turning ideas into action and advancing a shared vision for the future of supportive housing in Maryland. Building on themes from throughout the conference, speakers will reflect on key lessons, emerging opportunities, and the partnerships needed to drive meaningful systems change.  

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the next steps for expanding supportive housing, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and ensuring that all Marylanders have access to safe, affordable housing and the supports they need to thrive. 

 

Breakout Sessions

Housing Maryland’s Most Vulnerable: Expanding Targeted Voucher Opportunities for Supportive Housing
Access to affordable housing remains one of the greatest barriers for individuals and families with the highest needs. This session will explore strategies for expanding rental subsidy opportunities and leveraging targeted voucher resources to increase access to supportive housing across Maryland.  

Participants will learn how housing authorities, state agencies, and community partners are using Housing Choice Vouchers, Emergency Housing Vouchers, and other subsidy programs to serve people experiencing homelessness, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations. Presenters will share promising practices, partnership models, and policy approaches that can help communities maximize available resources and create housing pathways for those most at risk.

Funding the Full Picture: Blending Resources for Supportive Services 
Developing supportive housing is only part of the equation—sustaining high-quality services requires a diverse and reliable funding strategy. This session will examine how providers and communities are blending federal, state, local, healthcare, philanthropic, and private resources to fund supportive services that help residents thrive.  

Panelists will share practical examples, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to braiding funding streams while maintaining compliance, maximizing impact, and ensuring long-term sustainability. 

Catalyzing Supportive Housing Development: Lessons from Baltimore’s Housing Accelerator Fund 
The Baltimore Housing Accelerator Fund is helping address critical housing needs by advancing affordable and supportive housing projects across the region. Paired with the Supportive Housing Institute and targeted technical assistance, this work is building the capacity of developers, service providers, and public-sector partners to successfully create and sustain supportive housing. This session will highlight how cross-sector collaboration, hands-on technical assistance, and targeted are helping communities navigate development challenges, strengthen partnerships, and move projects from concept to implementation.  

Participants will gain practical insights into strategies for expanding supportive housing capacity, fostering systems change, and creating a stronger pipeline of housing opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations. 

Preserving Supportive Housing: Aligning Property Management, Resident Services, and Supportive Services for Long-Term Success 
Supportive housing succeeds when operational partners work together to maintain safe, stable housing and support positive resident outcomes. This session will focus on preserving existing supportive housing through strong coordination among property management, resident services, and supportive service providers.  

Speakers will explore strategies for addressing resident challenges, managing complex tenancy issues, strengthening communication across teams, and maintaining high-quality housing assets. Attendees will learn how integrated operations can improve housing retention, resident well-being, and the long-term sustainability of supportive housing communities. 

Innovative Approaches to Rural/Non-Urban Supportive Housing Delivery 
Delivering supportive housing in rural and non-urban communities presents unique challenges, including limited housing stock, workforce shortages, transportation barriers, and constrained service infrastructure. This session will showcase innovative models and partnerships that are successfully expanding supportive housing access beyond urban centers.  

Presenters will share strategies for leveraging local resources, building cross-sector collaborations, utilizing technology, and tailoring services to meet the needs of rural residents. Participants will leave with practical ideas for addressing housing and service gaps in diverse geographic settings. 

Integrated Systems: Bridging Health, Behavioral Health, and Social Services 
Individuals with complex needs often interact with multiple systems that can be difficult to navigate and coordinate. This session will explore how communities are building stronger connections among healthcare, behavioral health, supportive housing, and social service systems to improve outcomes and reduce fragmentation.  

Panelists will discuss successful models for data sharing, care coordination, multidisciplinary partnerships, and person-centered service delivery. Attendees will learn how integrated approaches can enhance housing stability, improve health outcomes, and create more effective support systems for residents.