Princeton University Sociology Professor Matthew Desmond will be giving an informative lecture and discussion on his award-winning book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City brought to you by the Changing the Conversation Committee: a community partnership of Catholic Charities, Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, Unity House of Troy, and the NYS Writers Institute.
Changing the Conversation: Home is Where the Heart Is
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Matthew Desmond
EVICTED: Poverty and Profit in the American City
November 14, 2019, 7:30 pm
University at Albany, Page Hall, Albany, NY
UAlbany Downtown Campus Map
Read the Changing the Conversation Recap Report
Even in the most desolate areas of American cities, evictions used to be rare. But today, most poor renting families are spending more than half of their income on housing, and eviction has become ordinary, especially for single mothers. Based on years of embedded fieldwork and painstakingly gathered data, this masterful book transforms our understanding of extreme poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving a devastating, uniquely American problem. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible.
Matthew Desmond is a professor of sociology at Princeton University. After receiving his Ph.D. in 2010 from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, he joined the Harvard Society of Fellows as a Junior Fellow. The principal investigator of The Eviction Lab, Desmond’s research focuses on poverty in America, city life, housing insecurity, public policy, racial inequality, and ethnography. This book and event will provide community members with information to help change the conversation and inspire solutions for the Capital Region community.
What are the expected outcomes from Changing the Conversation, Home is Where the Heart is?
- Initiate an evocative, inclusive educational experience that transforms perceptions around poverty and the impact of housing on this equation
- Engage policymakers around risk factors to maintain secure housing: wages, city code enforcement, legal rights, and court advocacy
- Demonstrate innovative approaches to change how we address services for those living in inadequate and transitional housing
- Create a more compassionate community for our neighbors
- Strengthen the network of nonprofit providers that supports those at risk of eviction
What will specifically occur around Changing the Conversation?
The time leading up to Matthew Desmond’s presentation to the region:
- Engagement with a variety of groups for community reads & discussions
- Utilize our three library systems (Upper Hudson, Mohawk Hudson, Southern Adirondack) to reach 98 public libraries and their patrons
- Local colleges and high schools for community reads and discussions
- Faith communities and their community outreach efforts
- The extensive list of book clubs filled with participants who are curious and compassionate
- Pre-taped Interviews with Matthew Desmond for radio broadcast and newspaper articles
Specifically, for the 2 Days with Matthew Desmond in Albany:
- A Community Presentation with Matthew Desmond at Page Hall on Thursday, November 14th
- Designated Breakfast & Panel for Legislators with Matthew Desmond on Friday, November 15th
- Engagement and participation for Sponsors
- Breakfast & Panel with Matthew Desmond for NY Legislators and community advocates
- VIP Reception for Sponsors and book signing
- Community-Wide Presentation for 800 people
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE
COMMUNITY BUILDERS
COMMUNITY EDUCATORS
Download more information on Sponsorship Opportunities
Download the Sponsorship Agreement Form
If you have any questions or would like to discuss these opportunities, please contact Mindy Derosia at 518-446-9638.
READING GUIDES
Reading guides and materials are available for book clubs, high school teachers, college professors, libraries, and faith communities on the book’s website: www.evictedbook.com/reading-group-guides. You can download them here.
- Reading Guides for Books Clubs
- Faith-Based Reading Guide
- High School Study Guide
- College/Freshman Year Reading Guide
EVENT FLYERS
- General Event Flyer
- Flyer for Christian Faith Communities
- Flyer for Communities of Faith
- Flyer for High School Teachers and Students
- Flyer for Book Clubs
- Flyer for College Professors and Students
- Flyer for Libraries
RESOURCES
- Capital Region Community Indicators
- The Eviction Lab
- Just Shelter
- Evicted Tour
- Albany NY Homeless
- United Way of the Greater Capital Region ALICE
- CARES of NY Community Planning
- Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York: Eviction for Non-Payment Information
- Law Help of New York: Housing/Eviction
- New York State Community Action Association Annual Poverty Report
- New York State Unified Court System Permanent Commission to Expand Access to Justice Report
- Breaking the Cycle of Eviction, recap from Siena College’s “Wicked Problems” Event
- Safe Harbor Act Explained August 2020 by United Tenants of Albany
ABOUT Changing the Conversation
Changing the Conversation is a community partnership among Catholics Charities, the Community Foundation Unity House and the NYS Writers Institute. Our goals are to educate and raise awareness around relevant community issues and inspire changemakers to take action. For more information on how you can be involved and support us, call 518-446-9638.