On September 21, Dr. Mike Hendricks and Stevenson Center Program Coordinator Paige Bushman received notification from the Center for Civic Engagement that they received $250 from the Community Engagement Learning grant to attend the 2023 Housing Matters Conference in Bloomington on Thursday, October 19 and Friday, October 20.
Housing Action Illinois’ Housing Matters Conference this year focuses on “Strong Roots, Thriving Communities.” As future community development practitioners studying in the Stevenson Center’s Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) sequence, studying housing and its issues is crucial for these students as it directly impacts the quality of life, social cohesion, and economic stability. Adequate housing fosters a sense of security and well-being, while addressing housing disparities can reduce inequalities and enhance inclusivity. Practitioners can design effective strategies for affordable housing, urban renewal, and sustainable development by understanding housing challenges. Moreover, housing interacts with healthcare, education, and employment, influencing overall community health. By tackling housing issues, practitioners contribute to holistic community advancement, promoting thriving neighborhoods, and fostering environments where individuals can reach their full potential.
The conference aligns perfectly with POL/SOC 470’s (graduate seminar in community development) topic on October 19: “Housing, Revitalization, and Gentrification.” With funding from this grant and the Stevenson Center, Hendricks and the five ACED students will attend the conference together on October 19-20. Students will write a reflection paper on what they observed and learned at the conference and apply it to what they have learned in class through the readings.
