Students in the Homelessness module for the Cultural Competency certificate program at Sacramento State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE) were recently invited by their instructor to attend the Transitional Housing Communities: Strategies for Recovery from Homelessness symposium. After, they were encouraged to reflect on how the event presentations and discussions built upon or expanded their understanding of course concepts.

Held on December 12th, the symposium was a one-day interactive event dedicated to exploring innovative ways of designing safe and supportive transitional spaces (e.g., interim housing communities) for individuals experiencing homelessness in Sacramento County.

The symposium featured faculty and student research as well as professionals working to support our unhoused neighbors. The event was co-sponsored by Sacramento State’s Department of Design (College of Arts & Letters) and the Center for Health Practice, Policy & Research (College of Health & Human Services).

“It has been such a joy to have the opportunity to watch students’ understanding the complex issue of homelessness expand throughout the course,” says Susanna Curry, Associate Professor of Social Work at Sacramento State. “The discussions we had in class were some of the most nuanced and in-depth that I’ve had in my teaching career.”

“I really enjoyed attending the lecture on homelessness in Sacramento,” says student Julie Donohue. “It definitely enhanced the learning experience by allowing a stronger connection with staff and students, but it was also very exciting hearing two speakers from Camp Resolution speak and take questions. Being in the same room adds a dimension to the conversation.”

The Cultural Competency Certificate Program is designed to build cultural competence among a wide range of service providers. The program focuses on a variety of vulnerable populations and their experiences with public service professionals, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, social workers and those working in the healthcare system. The curriculum enhances critical thinking through an analysis of intersectionality (race, class and gender) and various vulnerable populations, while increasing participant engagement through reading, discussion, role-plays and active learning.