Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring Simmons MPH graduates and housing justice advocates from across the US.
According to 2024 HUD data, 23 of every 10,000 people in the US experienced homelessness, including people in emergency shelters, safe havens, transitional housing programs, or unsheltered locations across the country. Moreover, the National Alliance to End Homelessness’s 2025 State of Homelessness Report found that millions of people in the US are experiencing housing insecurity and are on the brink of homelessness due to the extremely high costs of housing.
What are the systemic and structural changes required to address the problem of inadequate shelter and housing insecurity?
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring Simmons MPH graduates and housing justice advocates from across the US: Portland, ME; Somerville, MA; and Portland, OR. Panelists will dissect barriers to housing and housing security in their cities and examine the associated health inequities. The session will also highlight evidenced-based programming and bold policy moves that can be implemented to guarantee the right housing and health for everyone.
Panelists
Sam Geheran, '25MPH is a housing stabilization case manager and volunteer organizer with both the Community Action Agency of Somerville and Somerville for Palestine's Jewish Caucus. They firmly believe that access to safe, stable, suitable housing is foundational to health and the exercise of all other rights.
Andrew Volkers, '25MPH (he/they) has been working with people experiencing homelessness and people who use drugs for six years. Andrew works for Preble Street at the Maine Health-Preble Street Learning Collaborative in Portland, ME where their work includes street outreach, medical case management for people who use drugs, and harm reduction advocacy.
Brett Zimmerman, '23MPH works for Portland Street Response, a 911 behavioral health response agency in Portland, OR as administrative support for the program’s medical responders. Prior to finishing the MPH, Brett was a firefighter/EMT for Portland Fire and Rescue.