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Virginia Association of Housing Counselors, Inc.
2018 Annual Spring Conference
April 30 - May 3
Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel
“Riding the Waves of Change: Capturing Ways to Strengthen our Communities”
About the VAHC 2018 Annual Spring Conference
Conference Overview The 2018 Annual Spring Conference is sponsored by the Virginia Association of Housing Counselors. This annual conference offers a variety of sessions for both new and experienced counselors. VAHC offers workshop sessions for continued education credits and housing counseling certification exams. We will offer two certifications: Certified Housing Counselor and Housing Specialist- Homeless Counseling Certification. This annual conference aims to bring together housing providers from across the state as well as other surrounding states that are passionate about preserving and creating affordable opportunities for all citizens.
Who Should Attend
The following organizations and groups are welcome to attend:
Housing Authorities, Non‐Profit Organizations, Housing Advocacy Groups, Program Managers, Affordable Housing Advocates, Lenders, Social Workers, State & Local Government Agencies, Real Estate Agents, and Financial Counselors
2018 Spring Conference Top Ten Important Reminders 1. Conference Registration Deadline – April 2 2. Hotel Registration Deadline for Conference Rate – March 27
3. 2018 Annual Membership Dues of $50.00 are due by April 30. 4. Scholarship applications will be accepted from January 15 – January 31, 2018. 5. CHC Exam will be Thursday, May 3 from 9:00 a.m.—12:00 noon. 6. Homeless Counseling Certification Exam will be online following conference 7. All Certification Exam Programs Registration Deadline ‐ April 2
8. Annual Membership Meeting & Board of Director Elections will be held on April 30, 2018 at 3:45 p.m. at the Sheraton Oceanfront Hotel. Board of Directors nominations will be accepted through April 2.
9. Housing Counselor Award nominations will be accepted through April 2. 10. Online registrations can be made at www.vahousingcounselors.org.
Conference Registration Fees are NON‐REFUNDABLE.
2018 Conference Location and Accommodations
Conference Hotel & Location Sheraton Virginia Beach
Oceanfront 3001 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
The hotel is holding a block of rooms at the group rate of $99.00 per night, plus taxes. This rate is good until March 27, 2018. The rooms are limited, so book early.
You can access the site to book, modify, or cancel your hotel reservation or call toll free 888-627-8231 or visit the Sheraton Hotel link below:
Virginia Association of Housing Counselors 2018 (OR copy and paste the following link into a
web browser) https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/events/start.action?id=1712079886&key=29367952
Be sure to mention “VAHC” to receive the discounted group rate.
For additional information concerning hotel accommodations, contact us
2018 Conference Events
Scholarship Information
VAHC is pleased to offer scholarships to qualified members to attend the 2018 Virginia Association of Housing Counselors Spring Conference. These scholarships will be available on a first-come, first- served basis. Scholarships will only be accepted from January 15 through January 31, 2018 by 5:00 p.m. Applications can be submitted through our website at www.vahousingcounselors.org. Please wait before you register for the conference or lodging until you have been notified of your scholarship request. All applicants will be notified by February 12. Scholarship funds can be used for the following: certification exam training session, conference registration fees and conference hotel accommodations. Membership dues must be in good standing. For more information contact: Erica Singleton, Scholarship Chairperson at [email protected].
2018 VAHC Board of Directors Elections We are looking for a renewal of fresh ideas, experience in the housing industry, and a desire to serve your fellow association members. Consider nominating yourself or one of your colleagues. Elections will be held Monday during our annual membership meeting. Submit your nominations by April 2. For more information contact us [email protected]. Elections will be held for the following offices:
• President
• 1st Vice - President • 2nd Vice – President
• 3rd Vice – President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Member At Large Representatives (Eastern, Northern, Western & Central)
VAHC Committees – We are also looking for members to serve on these committees immediately. If you’re interested, please email [email protected] and place VAHC Committees in the subject line.
• Education and Certification Committee overseas the certification process including development of curriculum and tests and is working towards ensuring that certification is available that will meet National Standards.
• Conference Planning Committee develops the conference agenda, program materials, workshops, and identifies speakers for the Spring and Fall Conferences collaboratively with the Conference Coordinator.
2018 VAHC Awards of Excellence
Each year VAHC honors individuals throughout the state of Virginia that have demonstrated their commitment to improving the lives of families and the well-being of communities. Nominations are now being accepted for the following housing counseling awards, Rising Star of the Year, Housing Specialist of the Year, Outstanding Community Service, Mountain Mover and Agency of the Year. Individuals are encouraged to nominate themselves or other VAHC Counselors for their exemplary service. The winners will be honored during the Sponsorship & Awards Luncheon.
Send your nomination form to Awards Chairperson at [email protected] by April 2.
Conference Sponsorships
Give your agency or organization maximum exposure at the 2018 VAHC Conference by becoming a sponsor and VAHC Housing Partner. There are various levels of sponsorship available with valuable benefits. For more information, contact us at [email protected].
Membership Night – Tuesday, May 1 at 6:00 p.m. Do you love to sing, dance, act, or have a special talent? Join us for this entertaining event at our annual membership night? If you would like to sign-up to assist the committee or more info, contact Erica Singleton, Membership Chairperson at [email protected].
VAHC 2018 Annual Spring Conference Certification Exam Programs - Register by April 2
1. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) This certification program is designed for housing counselors and housing professionals pursuing an
emerging level of housing counseling skills for clients. This course equips new housing counselors with
basic tools and techniques for housing counseling, adhering to code of conduct and ethics, identifying
resources and referral opportunities, case management plans for credit and financial management; and
comprehending fair housing laws. Exam required.
Prerequisite for CHC Certification: Three to six months of experience as a Housing Counselor.
Recommended within 6 - 12 months of employment.
2. Housing Specialist - Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC)
This certification program is designed for housing counselors and housing professionals pursuing an advanced level of housing counseling training skills by providing key fundamentals for homeless housing programs and resources to clients. This course provides key components that will address core competencies in the history of homelessness, overview of a best practice homeless system, outreach and engagement, coordinated assessment, prevention and diversion, emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, and the role of transitional housing. Additional webinar training & exam required.
Prerequisite for HSHCC Certification: Two years of experience as a Housing Counselor. Candidate must be a VAHC Certified Housing Counselor and provide two professional references.
VAHC 2018 Annual Spring Conference Policies Pre-Registration Regular conference registration runs from January 10- April 2. Late registration is April 3-April 20th. Registration can be made online or via mail. All registrations must include the registration form, payment and must be received in our office by the registration deadline in order to receive the designated registration rate. The conference registration fee for non - VAHC members is $500.00.
Registration Payments Payments can be made online at our website www.vahousingcounselors.org or via regular mail through April 2, 2018. Onsite registration is limited and will be based on conference registration. Contact us prior to the conference to confirm if spacing is still available. Payment is due with your registration and may be made by check, money order, or credit card via PayPal.
Refund/Cancellation Policy Registration and Certification Testing fees are non-refundable. We will offer a credit voucher to use within one year towards another VAHC conference or training event.
Substitution Policy Substitution requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis for conference registration only. Not applicable to scholarship awards. Requests should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the conference at [email protected].
Special Needs
If you have any special needs that should be addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact us no later than two weeks prior to the conference.
Attendance and CEU Credits Policy Please arrive promptly each day at the designated times for the conference sessions. CEU credits are awarded to participants who attend 100% of the workshop sessions. Each concurrent workshop offers 2 CEUs. VAHC will offer a maximum of 24 CEUs for the workshop sessions for this year’s conference excluding certification testing participants. CEU credits for certification participants will be addressed during the certification training sessions.
For additional questions about the Annual Spring Conference
Contact us at [email protected].
Conference Registration Fees are NON‐REFUNDABLE. Conference Registration Deadline is Monday, April 2.
VAHC 2018 Annual Spring Conference Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
“Riding the Waves of Change: Capturing Ways to Strengthen our Communities”
April 30 – May 3, 2018 Conference Agenda
(Subject to Change)
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Conference Registration
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
7:30 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. Conference Registration
8:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Opening Session
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) - Training Session Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) - Training Session
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Morning Break
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) - Training Session Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) - Training Session Concurrent Workshop
Concurrent Workshop
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Opening Luncheon
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) - Training Session Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) - Training Session Concurrent Workshop
Concurrent Workshop
3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Afternoon Break
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Annual Membership Meeting & Board of Directors Election
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. VAHC Networking Reception
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) - Training Session Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) - Training Session Concurrent Workshop
Concurrent Workshop
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Morning Break
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) - Training Session Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) - Training Session Concurrent Workshop
Concurrent Workshop
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sponsorship & Housing Counseling Awards Luncheon
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) - Training Session Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) - Training Session Concurrent Workshop
Concurrent Workshop
3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Afternoon Break
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) - Training Session Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) - Training Session Concurrent Workshop
Concurrent Workshop
6:00 p.m. – Until Membership Night
Tuesday, May 1
Sunday, April 29
Monday, April 30
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) - Training Session Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) - Training Session Concurrent Workshop
Concurrent Workshop
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Morning Break
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) - Training Session Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) - Training Session Concurrent Workshop
Concurrent Workshop
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) - Training Session Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) - Training Session Concurrent Workshop
Concurrent Workshop
3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Afternoon Break
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) - Training Session Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) - Training Session Concurrent Workshop
Concurrent Workshop
6:00 p.m. – Until NIGHT ON YOUR OWN
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Closing Session
Certification Exam Training Session Agenda
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) Exam Review
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification - Training Session HSHCC (Lunch provided)
Wednesday, May 2
Thursday, May 3
VAHC 2018 Spring Conference Registration Form
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS NON‐REFUNDABLE.
Conference Registration Deadline Monday, April 2, 2018
Please note that online registration is available at www.vahousingcounselors.org. If paying by check, you may submit this form along with your check made payable to Virginia Association of Housing
Counselors and send to VAHC Treasurer, P. O. Box 36241, North Chesterfield, VA 23235, 804-453-8896. Please complete all information and print legibly. If you are registering for multiple
people, please provide everyone’s full name, email address and specify: dues, workshops, CHC or HSHCC.
Full Name: Organization: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Email Address: My contact information has changed. Please update VAHC website.
Please indicate your conference attendance. Conference Workshops Sessions Certified Housing Counselor Exam (CHC) Housing Specialist Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC)
Special Accommodations, Dietary Requests
All registrations must include the registration form, payment and has to be received in our office by the registration deadline in order to receive the designated registration rate.
Registration Summary Conference Fees Amount Enclosed
Conference Workshops Only January 15 – April 2, 2018
$350.00 $
Conference Workshops Only
for Non- members January 15 – April 2, 2018
$500.00 $
2018 Annual Membership Dues Due By April 30, 2018
$50.00 $
Certified Housing Counselor (CHC) Exam & Training
Manual Last day to Register
April 2, 2018
$400.00 $
Housing Specialist –
Homeless Counseling Certification (HSHCC) Choose one. Last day to Register April 2 2018
$450.00 $
Additional Late Fee for Registration
April 3 – April 20, 2018
No registrations will be accepted after April 20th.
$30.00
Total Enclosed $
VAHC 2018 Anne Gwaltney Memorial Scholarship Fund Scholarship Application Form
VAHC will be awarding scholarships of up to $500 each for the 2018 Spring Conference April 30, 2018 – May 3, 2018. Scholarship applications must
be received between January 15, 2018 and January 31, 2018. All requests must be made through the website online application
www.vahousingcounselors.org
Please limit requests for scholarships to only two applicants per agency. Upon receipt, an email confirmation will be sent to confirm receipt of your scholarship request.
1. Scholarships can be used for the following: certification training costs, conference registration and hotel room. Hotel Scholarships are only available to attendees working for a non-profit,
government agency and member working outside the Hampton Roads Area.
2. In accepting a scholarship award, the recipient agrees to fully participate in the entire conference
and to take at a minimum the number of CEUs required to maintain certifications.
3. Scholarships cannot be used for the following: membership dues, food, travel, use of internet, phone calls, or any other incidental charges incurred during stay in hotel room.
4. The VAHC Scholarship Committee will transfer the awarded amount directly to the VAHC
Treasurer. No direct payments to recipients will be made.
5. All grantees will be notified of a decision by February 12, 2018. Grantees must accept the
scholarship funds and notify the VAHC Scholarship Chairperson by email or mail by close of business day no later than February 23, 2018.
6. The Supervisor or Executive Director of each scholarship award recipient will be asked to sign an
acceptance letter agreeing to use the scholarship as awarded, or to reimburse VAHC for the amount awarded. Acceptance of the award includes the participant’s full participation in the
conference, including taking the number of CEUs needed to maintain certifications.
7. Please do not apply for a Scholarship if your agency or organization has the ability to pay.
8. Scholarships will be awarded based on the information received. No revisions will be accepted.
9. If the recipient who was awarded a scholarship cannot attend the conference; the scholarship
grant will be awarded to another recipient from another agency or credited back into the VAHC Scholarship Fund.
10. Membership dues must be current. Applicants who have not received a scholarship in the past
will be given priority.
For general questions regarding the scholarship program, please contact
Erica Singleton, VAHC Scholarship Chairperson at [email protected].
Virginia Association of Housing Counselors
Virginia Association of Housing Counselors 2018 Slate of Election and Position Descriptions
President The President will preside over all meetings or appoint the First Vice President to do so at least before the meeting. The President will write necessary correspondence in a timely manner so that the Association and its commitments are represented in a professional manner. The President will be knowledgeable of parliamentary procedures and the Bylaws, as amended, and conduct each meeting with the proper decorum. The President will make reports to the Board of Directors. The President will designate chairpersons for the Standing Committees or any Special Committees, which are called for by the Board. The President and Secretary will review and approve all check requisitions prior to disbursement.
First Vice President The First Vice President will support and perform the duties of the President. In the absence of the President or in case of the inability, The First Vice President will have all the powers and be subject to all restrictions upon the President. The First Vice President will be responsible for any fund-raising activities including obtaining sponsorship for underwriting conference and will also perform other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the President.
Second Vice President The Second Vice President will be the Chairperson for the Membership Committee. The Second Vice President will fill a committee from the general membership. The job of the Membership Committee is to: maintain appropriate membership records, maintain existing membership and promote and devise plans to encourage the acquisition of new members, send out notices to members who have not paid their membership dues, send out membership cards, and perform other duties that the President may assign.
Third Vice President The Third Vice President will be responsible for board governance, strategic planning, and succession planning. In the absence of the President, First Vice President and Second Vice President, the Third Vice President will perform the duties of the President and will have all the powers and be subject to all restrictions placed upon the President. Secretary The Secretary will have custody of the historical data of the Corporation and make them accessible to membership, if requested. The Secretary will record minutes of all general membership and Board of Directors meetings and will provide those minutes to all Board members. The Secretary and the President will review and approve all requisitions prior to disbursement and will perform other duties as are incidental to the office of Secretary or properly required.
Treasurer The Treasurer will have custody of all monies and securities of the organization and will deposit them in a timely manner in the name of the organization in such bank or banks as the Executive Committee may designate. The Treasurer will disburse the monies of the organization in the payment of the just demands of the organization or as may be ordered by the membership, by means of checks, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and will
VAHC
render an accurate, standardized account of all the transactions at all meetings (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Disbursements, Banks Reconciliation Statement and Account Balance). The Treasurer, at the expense of the organization will bond every officer and employee of the organization who will handle funds or securities of the organization. The President and another board member who will be designated by the President will review and approve all check requisitions prior to disbursement. The Treasurer will work with membership committee for maintaining a membership roster of current paid members, which will be forwarded to the Second Vice President and Secretary within two (2) weeks of the annual conference.
Member-at-Large (Eastern, and Northern Virginia Regions) – 4 Positions
Each member shall represent one of the four (4) regions of the state: Central, Eastern, Northern, and Western, which are delineated on the approved Regional Boundaries Map. Each At-Large Member shall be a resident of the respective region and shall act as a liaison to the Board of Directors for their perspective region. The members at large are responsible for hosting regional meetings at least once per year. They will assist with necessary projects as directed by the Board.
2018 Virginia Association of Housing Counselors Board Nomination
Virginia Association of Housing Counselors
Completed, signed Nomination Forms must be received by 5 pm on Monday, April 2nd to be included on the official ballot. Nomination Forms submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Please send completed, signed Nomination Form and bio or resume to:
VAHC Governance Committee
P.O. Box 36241
North Chesterfield, VA
23235
Email [email protected]
Eligibility Criteria: Each Nominee must be a current member of the Virginia Association of Housing
Counselors in good standing and a Certified Housing Counselor for at least one year.
Check one box: President □, First Vice President □, Second Vice President □, Third Vice President □, Secretary □, Treasurer □, Member-at-Large (Central □, Eastern □, Northern □, Western □)
______________________________________________ Organization Name (if applicable)
Nominee’s Name
Nominee’s Address
______________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address
Nominator Name
Nominator Address
Phone Number/Email Address
City, State, Zip Code
VAHC
Virginia Association of Housing Counselors Board Nomination Form
To be completed by the Nominee or Nominator Nominee Name
1) Why is the nominee interested in serving on the Board?
2) What professional accomplishments qualify the nominee for this position?
3) What would the nominee contribute to the organization? Why should the nominee be elected?
4) Is there any other information you wish to share regarding this nomination?
I understand that—if elected—I may be required to attend meetings during regular work hours, and
may incur travel expenses. I understand that this work time, travel time and travel expense will not
be reimbursed by the Virginia Association of Housing Counselors.
Nominee Signature Date
VAHC Use Only □ Signed Nomination Form □ Member in Good Standing:
□ VAHC Certified Housing Counselor for at least one year:
□ Region: Central East North West
□ Ballot
VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF HOUSING COUNSELORS 2018 HOUSING COUNSELING AWARDS
A Housing Counselor is an effective communicator; knowledgeable of the current housing industry and able to network and provide resources to meet the housing needs of the client. We want to recognize and celebrate those housing counselors that demonstrate these attributes. We are excited to begin accepting nominations for the 2018 Housing Counseling Awards. The awards are for several levels of housing counseling professionals. The Housing Counseling Awards nomination deadline is April 2, 2018.
Send your nomination form to Awards Chairperson at [email protected]
The winners will receive a prestigious award and an ad in its local paper congratulating them and their organization on their accomplishments. In addition, their photo and company logo will be scrolled for the remainder of the awards luncheon.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS: A candidate is an active member of VAHC, in good standing, and the meet the criteria listed below for nomination for one of the following categories:
CATEGORIES RISING STAR COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR
o A minimum of one – two years work experience or an internship as a housing counselor or in a related field;
o Provide a short summary on how the nominee has demonstrated professionalism in
the workplace as it relates to housing counseling. HOUSING SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR
o A minimum of three years professional housing counseling/housing-related work experience. Combination of one year of education and 2 years work experience to equal 3 years (one and one-half years professional work experience is equivalent to one year of formal education);
o Provide a short summary on how the nominee has demonstrated professionalism in
the workplace as it relates to housing counseling;
o Provide proof of any on-going professional growth through continuing education
activities, including attending workshops and training exercises.
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE
o Provide a short summary on how the nominee has demonstrated professionalism in the workplace as it relates to housing counseling;
o Provide how and what the nominee did that went beyond the call of duty and the
impact he/she made in the community and with clients they serve.
MOUNTAIN MOVER COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
o A minimum of eight years professional housing counseling work experience. This award requires nominee to have direct services in housing counseling.
o Provide a short summary on how the nominee has demonstrated professionalism in
the workplace as it relates to housing counseling;
o List names of organizations, position titles, and duties performed throughout the eight
or more years as it relates to housing counseling.
o Give at least two examples of a client related service that the nominee showed
strength and dedication in the housing counseling field.
AGENCY OF THE YEAR o Agency must have been established for at least three years in the housing industry;
o Services the needs of low-income individuals and families;
o One or more of the agency’s employee(s) must be an active paid member of VAHC;
o Submit a written synopsis of the agency’s special projects/programs, not to exceed two pages along with verification of the above listed requirements.
2018 VAHC Housing Counseling Awards Nomination Form
Submit completed VAHC Awards Chairperson at
[email protected]. Deadline Monday April 2, 2018
Nominee Name:
Organization/Agency:
Title:
Address:
Contact Number/Email Address:
Supervisor Name/Email Address:
Housing Award Category:
(Rising Star of the Year, Housing Specialist of the year, Outstanding Community Service, Mountain Mover Commitment to Service, or Agency of the Year)
Please complete the following: Describe how the nominee met the criteria for the award. (Additional pages or material may be attached if appropriate. Include photo of nominee, company logo, brochures, etc.) Nominated By _ Organization/Agency _ Email Address/Contact Number
VAHC Use Only
Form Received/Date Committee Recommendation
