Learning, Leading, and Empowering at NAHRO

The Dedicated RHA Team
At Rockford Housing Authority, our mission is rooted in service empowering residents and strengthening communities through education, opportunity, and support. Our ROSS Coordinator Breanna Bailey and ROSS Program Manager  Amy Byrd, and members of the Human Services team recently took that mission on the road, representing RHA at the NAHRO Conference in Arizona.

Staying Ahead in Resident Empowerment
Across the nation, housing authorities are striving to address evolving community needs and ensure residents have access to programs that truly empower them. Staying current on new approaches and federal initiatives is essential to delivering the highest level of service to our residents.

Learning from the Nation’s Best
The NAHRO (National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) Conference gathered housing leaders and professionals from all over the country, offering an opportunity to collaborate, share, and grow. Through workshops, focus groups, and networking, Breanna, Amy, and the RHA team engaged in dynamic discussions on advancing human services and resident engagement.

Focus Groups Attended:

• Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding the Basics– Exploring how trauma impacts residents and how supportive services can foster resilience and trust.
  
  
• It Begins with YOUTH! Engaging Underrepresented Youth in Housing–  Learning strategies to better connect and empower youth voices within housing programs.
  
  
• Raising Voices of Residents through Resident Leadership– Discovering pathways to strengthen resident councils and promote active participation.
  
  
• Empower, Engage, and Elevate: Resident Participation that Works– Identifying practical tools to make resident engagement more inclusive and effective.
  
  
• From Crisis to Community: People-Centered Housing Strategies– Examining approaches to transform crisis response into long-term community empowerment.
  
  

Bringing Knowledge Back Home
Armed with these insights, the ROSS and Human Services team are already identifying ways to integrate what they’ve learned into RHA’s ongoing programs. From expanding workforce development and youth initiatives to improving trauma-informed resident support, this experience is guiding the next phase of RHA’s mission to uplift residents and strengthen community ties.

Growth that Benefits Everyone
By investing in professional development and continuous learning, RHA ensures our staff are equipped to guide residents toward self-sufficiency, opportunity, and long-term stability. The knowledge gained in Arizona is more than information; it’s inspiration that will directly benefit RHA residents and the broader Rockford community.

Building Together for the Future
RHA remains committed to innovation through collaboration. The ideas and insights brought home from NAHRO will help shape future initiatives that empower residents, build stronger partnerships, and advance our shared mission creating thriving communities where everyone has the opportunity to grow.

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