A1: Aging in Supportive Housing: Advancing Solutions for Communities
Tuesday, June 17 | 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
HUD & RSC: 1 Credit Hour
This continuing education program offers continuing education credit for Affordable Senior Housing Managers and Resident Service Coordinators to be submitted to HUD. Education covers federal/state senior affordable housing policy, ethical concerns, fair housing compliance, HUD Handbook training, financing green retrofits, supportive services, and solutions for aging properties and residents.
As the aging population continues to grow, the demand for accessible, affordable, and supportive housing is becoming increasingly urgent. By 2040, 22% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older, highlighting the need for strategic housing solutions. The Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey (SHA) has developed the Aging in Supportive Housing Guide, which draws on expertise from experienced developers to create affordable, energy-efficient, and universally designed housing. This session will explore how supportive housing blends accessible homes with essential services, enabling residents to maintain independence and thrive. Attendees will learn about successful developments, key partnerships, and funding strategies that make these projects possible. The workshop will feature insights from developers, service providers, and the perspective of residents, showcasing best practices for integrating supportive housing into communities. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for addressing housing challenges for aging populations and individuals facing barriers to independent living.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate how to use the Aging in Supportive Housing Guide to inform community housing plans
- Illustrate how supportive housing can address affordability, accessibility, and independence for diverse populations
- Examine case studies of successful supportive housing developments to identify key factors for success
Speaker Information
Executive Director, Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
Kate Kelly joined the staff of Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey (SHA) in 2021 to spearhead the Integrated Community Project and began leading SHA as Executive Director in January 2025. Throughout her career she has brought people together, increased the engagement of people with lived experience, and strengthened engagement among all sectors, individual, civic, and service organizations in communities. SHA is statewide, membership and nonprofit organization, founded in 1998, whose mission is to promote and maintain a strong supportive housing industry in New Jersey serving people with special needs. Before joining SHA, Kate’s recent efforts at the Housing Alliance of PA increased voter engagement and prior work with Partnerships for Strong Communities in Connecticut increased supportive housing opportunities. Her nine years as public policy associate at Monarch Housing included directing public policy, advocacy and public relations dedicated to ending homelessness and expanding the supply and accessibility of affordable housing. Kate holds a Bachelor’s in Government from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s in Social Work from the UCONN School of Social Work.
Executive Director, Brightside Family
Elizabeth Davis is the founder and Executive Director of The Bright Side Family, a closely affiliated group of non-profit organizations that have been developed in response to the evolving needs of older adults in Teaneck and Bergen County, NJ. The organization’s mission is to provide affordable housing and support services that respond to the changing needs and preferences of older adults, offer choice, promote dignity and ensure safety and comfort. It’s facilities and programs include Bright Side Manor, an affordable assisted living community, The Brookdale, a 62 unit subsidized senior apartment building, PALS, Bergen County’s only licensed assisted living program, Age Friendly Teaneck, a community wide initiative, Senior Checks, a free county wide money management program for older adults and Secure Futures for Senior Women, a program that promotes financial literary among older women and equips them with tools to overcome the unique financial challenges women face as they age. Age Friendly Teaneck’s advocacy and community organizing work has contributed to building awareness of the need for more affordable housing and support services for seniors. In response, the Township has designated The Bright Side Family and its partner, The Alpert Group, as the developer of 40 units of housing on Township owned property and committed funds from its affordable housing trust fund to support the project. The new building will include community space on the ground floor that will house health, wellness and social support programs for Teaneck residents. Elizabeth is a licensed clinical social worker and certified assisted living administrator.
Chief Operating Officer, Monarch Housing Associates
Asish Patel is the Chief Operating Officer at Monarch Housing Associates and oversees the Housing Development Team and manages Monarch’s operations. Over the past 30 years, Asish has worked on numerous acquisitions, rehabilitation, and new construction projects in all 21 Counties in New Jersey, including urban, rural and suburban areas, resulting in the development of over 3,500 units of housing for special needs persons and persons in need of affordable housing. Asish graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in architecture, and a master’s degree in management. He attended Pratt Institute’s Community and Economic Development Internship Program and was part of the inaugural class of Enterprise’s Leadership Institute. Asish serves as Vice Chair of the Board of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. Additionally, he is on the Facilities Committee for Integrity House and is a board member of the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey.
