FuseDSM Monthly Luncheon - Permanent Supportive Housing: A sustainable solution for Homelessness - Anawim Housing

The FuseDSM Monthly Luncheon will typically be held on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Each month the Chamber invites a dynamic speaker to provide timely information affecting our community, insight on issues concerning the community, or inspirational stories which resonate within the community. 

There is networking time prior to the start of the program and lunch being served. This is the monthly event you do not want to miss to maintain those important relationships with your fellow members. 
 

Permanent Supportive Housing: A sustainable solution for Homelessness

Homelessness is often intricately woven with other life challenges including disability, substance abuse, mental illness, poverty, history of foster care, domestic violence, physical disease, incarceration, unemployment and more. Improvements in health, safety, and employment are nearly impossible without stable housing. Permanent and Supportive housing provides the framework for people to address health and behavioral health challenges in a trauma informed and person centered manner. PSH is an ongoing act of compassion, embracing people who are struggling – who will likely always struggle – and ensuring they have the dignity and comfort of permanent housing.


Cynthia Latcham, MPA
Cynthia Latcham is the Executive Director at Anawim Housing. A nonprofit which focuses on implementing Permanent Supportive Housing programs using evidence based principles of Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma Informed Care. The Programs & Services department has existed for over 20 years, with Cynthia leading the team since 2017. During this time the program department has expanded to include permanent supportive housing for youth and Rapid Rehousing. As part of her work at Anawim Housing, Cynthia has leveraged her expertise in Permanent Supportive Housing to advance policy discussions with the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Health Initiative for People Who Inject Drugs, and served on the leadership team for the Community Visioning and Plan program focusing on strategies for addressing and ending homelessness in Polk County. Born in Barrington, Illinois, Cynthia is a passionate believer in smart, creative bureaucracy that empowers individuals to achieve goals. She is especially proud of the team of committed and talented professionals she works with on a daily basis. Prior to her work with Anawim Cynthia was a private business owner and a Child Protective social worker. She graduated from University of Iowa with a degree in Social Work and received a graduate degree from Drake University in Public Administration.