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A team of SHPA Peer Leaders delivered the “You’re Housed, Now What?” training at the Home Illinois Summit in Springfield on June 13, 2026. Originally created through SHPA’s 2025 Peer Leadership Development Program, the training has continued to evolve, with ongoing refinements aimed at helping both residents of Permanent Supportive Housing and PSH providers better understand the challenges individuals face—and the supports they need—after securing housing.
The transition into housing often brings immediate hurdles such as social isolation, financial management, and maintaining both physical and mental well-being. SHPA’s peer-developed model focuses on promoting long-term housing stability by addressing these realities. Through interactive discussions and insights gathered from a statewide peer survey, the team emphasized moving beyond basic survival toward true stability and thriving. The session was designed to equip providers with practical, actionable strategies that support a more holistic and sustainable approach to housing.
A special thank you goes to the Peer Leaders who developed and/or presented this training: Chris O’Hara, Empress Garrett, Kayla Wallace, Kristal Thompson, Lynette Taylor, Marketta Sims-Gilford, MeShon Harvey, Otha Gaston, Shane Reeves, and Susan Smith.
It has been both an honor and a privilege to collaborate with such an emotionally intelligent and self-aware group. Each individual contributes unique strengths and perspectives, working together to create meaningful programming that supports others while continuing their own journeys and giving back.
Susan Day
If you have any questions, please contact Susan Day, SHPA’s Director of Peer leadership. s.day@shpa-il.org
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