Sociology Professor and UACDC Design Emergency Housing for Homeless Persons

University Relations

Kevin Fitzpatrick, University Professor and Jones Chair in Community

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – In collaboration with the University of Arkansas Community Design Center, Kevin Fitzpatrick, University Professor and the Jones Chair in Community in the  Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, has developed a plan to expand emergency/transitional housing for unsheltered homeless persons living in Fayetteville.

Fitzpatrick presented the plan to the city of Fayetteville's planning commission on November 13, and the plan was unanimously approved by the commission providing a conditional-use permit for Servenwa to begin work on the design, implementation and launch of a new micro-shelter community for homeless persons in Fayetteville. This project, noted Anna Zajicek, chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, "will have important implications for community and economic development, including the positive impact on the well-being and safety of homeless persons and the overall welfare of the local community." 

As director of the Community and Family Institute, Fitzpatrick has directed the homeless point-in-time census in Northwest Arkansas since 2007. The census provides local homeless service providers, government, and other agencies a wealth of data and insight on the current needs, gaps, and circumstances of the homeless population in Washington and Benton Counties.

His research and advocacy work span more than three decades with over 30 peer-reviewed publications that have followed the homelessness trends in Birmingham, Alabama, and Northwest Arkansas. According to Fitzpatrick, "the 2017 count estimated 2,951 people in a variety of homeless circumstances. This number is up almost 500 people from the previous point-in-time estimate in 2015 and 2.5 times the number in 2007." Fitzpatrick, the Community Design Center, and other programs across campus will continue to explore partnerships as they work toward implementing this project in 2018.

About the Department: The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice in Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences offers three degree programs, two honor societies, and affiliation with three research units: the Community and Family Institute, the Terrorism Research Center, and the Center for Social Research.

About the Community and Family Institute: The Community and Family Institute in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences was created in 1997 to facilitate research on community and family issues/problems. Under the direction of Kevin M. Fitzpatrick, CFI has a specific focus on but not limited to Northwest Arkansas; CFI also engages in research relevant to Arkansas, the nation, and our world.

About the Community Design Center: The Community Design Center, originated in 1995 as an outreach center of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. The UACDC, under the direction of Stephen Luoni, has its own downtown facilities and a full-time design and planning staff who deliver professional services for commun­ities and organizations nationwide.