2025 Housing Matters Symposium

It's often said that "housing is health care," but what is the evidence behind this connection and how do we see housing access - or lack there of - relating to people's health in our community? Again this year, we're gathering national and local experts to share insights and encourage the community to think big about solutions that will secure housing opportunity - and better health - for all.

We'll also dig deeper on supportive housing, a more specialized solution to serve our most vulnerable neighbors including people experiencing chronic homelessness. Recently, the Iowa Finance Authority announced a new statewide cohort meant to help develop this important housing option for those facing severe hardships. Housing with supportive services are another link in the chain to ensure the community's needs are met.

Housing Matters Symposium is a free annual event presented by the Polk County Housing Trust Fund to highlight important current topics in housing. A strong community depends on quality housing options for everyone.

And stay tuned, because more announcements about our line-up of speakers are coming!

What's the event like? Take a look at our highlight video from last year!

While we have loved seeing you at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, this year, we're moving to a larger space in the Des Moines Heritage Center, 120 E 5th Street, Des Moines.

Info: Keynote speaker Dr. Stephanie Ettinger de Cuba is the executive director of Children's HealthWatch in Boston, MA. She is an applied health services researcher whose research focuses on children and families, health, the intersections of race/ethnicity and nativity, and the structural and policy factors underpinning these relationships. While her core expertise is in access to basic needs (like food, housing, or energy security) health inequities and social policy, she also has interest in the ways environment (neighborhood characteristics, climate/exposures, built environment) are influenced by policy and how in turn all these influence child and family health, health care utilization, and economic well-being.

Info: Amy Stetzel is the Upper Midwest-Minnesota Director for the Corporation for Supportive Housing. Amy has held previous positions as the Director of Implementation and Community Engagement at the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness, and as a Senior Policy and Program Analyst for the New York City Department of Homelessness and the New York City Administration for Children’s Services. She grew up in Cedar Falls, Iowa and is a lifelong Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Amy holds a master's degree in social work and public policy from Columbia University, and a bachelor's degree in political science and Women’s Studies from St. Olaf College.

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