Katie Hoops Calhoun

What I do

Katie is a PhD student at the Graduate School of Social Work. She received her MSW and BSW from the University of Nevada, Reno where she focused on policy change and implementation, particularly in juvenile justice. After completing her MSW she worked as a school social worker on a federal grant providing services to students and families with histories of trauma.  Most recently she worked at an inpatient behavioral health hospital in assessment and referral. Her direct practice experience influenced her interest in studying poverty and homelessness through a critical lens, particularly how poverty discourse influences the resources that are available to folks and, in turn, the health and well-being of individuals. 

Katie has had the opportunity to evaluate innovative responses to homelessness with the Center for Housing and Homelessness Research including tiny home villages and safe parking programs. She is currently on the research team for the Denver Basic Income Project where the Center will assess outcomes of a direct cash transfer to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Denver. 

Specialization(s)

civic and community engagement, community organizing and community development, housing and homelessness, marginalized populations, poverty, public policy

Degree(s)