Dr. Chamard discusses homelessness and affordable housing at UAA Urban in Alaska Conference

Conference panelists (l to r) Anecia O’Carroll, Rebecca Robinson, Diane Bline, Mike Sobocinski,
Susan Bomalaski, Sharon Chamard, James Fitterling, and Carrie Longoria.

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, was a panelist at the 2nd Annual Urban in Alaska Conference: A Creative Placemaking Initiative, on March 28 in the UAA Student Union Cafeteria.

“Social Issues in Anchorage: Informing Design” was the panel theme, and Dr. Chamard and Dr. Susan Bomalaski, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services  held a "conversation” on homelessness and affordable housing, and the relationship to design and use of public spaces.

The purpose of the annual conference is to bring together faculty, students, and community members in a community-wide participatory process focusing on social issues that impact the design of public space, such as race and ethnicity, youth violence and opportunities for youth, and alcohol and substance abuse and recovery. The event is sponsored by the UAA Center for Community Engagement and Learning (CCEL).

At podium, Dr. Judith Manley-Owens, CCEL Director, listens with the audience to panelists.