Syracuse Students Tackle Affordable Housing Challenges Through Research
Graduate students Jamea Candy Johnson and Adara “Darla” Hobbs are tackling affordable housing issues in Syracuse through a hands-on research initiative. Their work, part of the Lender Center for Social Justice Student Fellows program, connects academic findings with community needs.
On April 16, Johnson and Hobbs will present their research during the Thursday Morning Roundtable (TMR) series, a community-focused event hosted by the Office of Community Engagement. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical solutions for housing challenges faced by many in Syracuse.
Johnson, who is pursuing a master’s degree in public health, emphasizes the importance of integrating housing with health care. “My research focuses on the intersection of housing and health care, especially as it relates to economic stability,” she said. Hobbs, who will earn her master’s degree in Pan-African studies, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the need for community-driven solutions.
“Affordable housing isn’t just about having a roof over your head,” Hobbs explained. “It’s about creating a stable environment where families can thrive.” This perspective is crucial in a city where nearly 30% of residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
By The Numbers
- 2 — Number of graduate students leading the affordable housing research initiative.
- 1 — Upcoming presentation date for their findings on April 16.
- 10+ — Years of combined experience in community engagement from the fellows.
- 30% — Percentage of Syracuse residents spending over 30% of their income on housing.
The TMR series allows Johnson and Hobbs to share their findings with landlords, developers, and community organizers actively working to address housing issues. Their approach includes qualitative research methods, such as one-on-one interviews with panelists from organizations like Housing Visions and A Tiny Home for Good, which focus on developing housing solutions for vulnerable populations.
“We’re not just talking about giving people housing. We’re talking about giving people health care,” Johnson noted, emphasizing the holistic approach needed to tackle these issues effectively. The collaboration with TMR has pushed them to engage directly with those who build and provide housing, ensuring their research is grounded in real-world experiences.
Hobbs, who has spent over a decade working in the Syracuse City School District, expressed her surprise at being recognized as an expert by community leaders. “I do know what I’m talking about. I do have something valuable to contribute,” she said. This recognition reinforces the importance of local voices in shaping solutions to community challenges.
The upcoming session, titled “For Syracuse or With Syracuse? What Lender Student Fellows’ Research Reveals About Housing and Health in Syracuse,” will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in Room 100A of the Nancy Cantor Warehouse Auditorium. This event is expected to draw attention from various stakeholders in the housing sector, including city officials and nonprofit leaders.
As Syracuse continues to grapple with affordable housing challenges, initiatives like this highlight the critical role of academic institutions in fostering community engagement and driving meaningful change. The collaboration between students and local organizations exemplifies how research can inform practical solutions to pressing issues.
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Conclusion
Johnson and Hobbs’ work is the power of community-driven research in addressing complex social issues. Their efforts not only aim to improve housing conditions but also seek to enhance overall health and economic stability for residents in Syracuse. By focusing on the intersection of housing and health, they are for a more equitable future in our city.
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Sources
- Syracuse University News — Coverage of the Lender Fellows and their research on affordable housing.
