Official records indicate that 5,718 residents of Orange County lacked stable housing in May of 2022 with unofficial estimates much higher. The Homeless Policy Practicum is an experiential course in which students will learn and evaluate strategies for overcoming the issues that keep housing for all out of reach.
Over the course of the semester, students will work in any number of policy development functions, including creating and furthering advocacy partnerships, community outreach and education, analyzing data, developing policy and system change solutions, and supporting local or state legislative advocacy initiatives.
Students work in collaboration with community groups, people with lived experience, county workers, policy advocates, and lawyers. Students will sharpen their oral and written advocacy, problem-solving, research, and leadership skills under the supervision of Professor Seiden, who launched the OCFVC’s Homelessness-Domestic Violence Task Force in 2018.