COHPA Home
  • Blog
  • 2011
  • Helping Local Government Address Homelessness
ShareThis
Text Size:
Print This Page

Helping Local Government Address Homelessness

By Karen Guin

A University of Central Florida faculty member is helping local government address the issue of homelessness.

Thomas Bryer, assistant professor of public administration, has been lending his expertise in community engagement and process design at meetings convened by Seminole County's Department of Community Services. He has helped the county facilitate two "community conversations" among those who provide services to the county's homeless. And, most recently, he helped design and implement a survey of the service providers.

Both the meetings and survey results will help the county identify the "paths" homeless clients take in accessing services. They also may reveal areas where improvements can be made - valuable information for the county as it develops strategies to reduce homelessness.

Bryer joined the effort thanks to Nancy Ellis, director of the Center for Community Partnerships in the College of Health and Public Affairs. She was aware of the county's plans to hold the meetings and knew Bryer could help. She also secured funding from the college to support Bryer's efforts.

To hear Bryer help facilitate Seminole County's most recent "community conversation," held in March in Altamonte Springs, visit http://cmfmedia.org/2011/04/homelessness-a-community-conversation/

Share and Enjoy:

Tags :

Archive

My internship with the District 9 Medical Examiner’s Office was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I gained an excellent understanding of the medical examiner’s office and the criminal justice field in general."
— Adam Stubley,  criminal justice major
I’m so excited to be in this program. I’m really looking forward to planning great areas to live and work."
— Gabriella Serrado,  urban and regional planning graduate student
I think it is great to be part of something that [exposes] others to sign language and the deaf community."
— Ashley Loomis,  communication sciences and disorders major and national-anthem signer at Orlando Magic games
UCF provides its physical therapy students with an excellent education and prepares them to work in the most challenging of settings."
— Jamie Dyson,  rehabilitation supervisor, Orlando Regional Medical Center
The program is really helping me grow as a professional. I have a much better understanding of how to navigate the systems and advocate for services on a much larger scale."
— Joy Chuba,  social work graduate student, UCF Valencia Osceola
In fall 2010, I began to create real programs, establish the board, develop volunteer-recruitment strategies and overal strategically plan the next five years -- all through my course work."
— Paulette Campbell, CEO of Redemption Song, Inc.,  Master of Nonprofit Management ('11)
The internship is going great! I am interning for Senate President Mike Haridopolos in the Capitol. I wish more UCF students could have this truly amazing opportunity."
— Julianna Debler,  legal studies major and 2012 Florida Legislative Scholars Intern
Give a Gift - The College of Healh & Public Affairs