Students Present Research on Neighborhood Revitalization in Garland County

A team of graduate students from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, in partnership with Garland County Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH), completed a study exploring ways for GCHFH to have a greater impact within the communities it serves. The research team recently gave a presentation on the feasibility of implementing a new way to engage communities through efforts focused on neighborhood revitalization in the Gateway neighborhood in downtown Hot Springs, Ark.

Clinton School students Jordan Butler of Miss., Emma McAuley of Glenview, Illi., Anne Haley and Victoria Vander Schilden of Little Rock, Ark. conducted an eight-month study examining the Gateway neighborhood during which they gathered feedback from residents, community leaders, and city officials about community development and neighborhood revitalization efforts in Hot Springs. Additionally, the team shared a list of recommendations for successful implementation with the GCHFH executive director and board of directors informed by these findings and data collected from Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) resources and interviews with HFHI staff from around the country regarding best practices. The students recently presented their findings at St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs.

“Garland County Habitat for Humanity is beyond excited to learn that change… real change and a sense of renewed community is possible,” said Nicole Good, executive director of GCHFH. “I am grateful for the countless hours the Clinton School team has worked on behalf of our town and our Habitat affiliate. It means so much, not just to me, the board, and staff of Habitat but to the whole community of Hot Springs.”

This project is one of 12 completed by 45 Clinton School students across the state of Arkansas. These students are in their first year of classes in the school’s Master of Public Service degree program.

About Garland County Habitat for Humanity
Garland County Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a 501(c)(3) that provides families in substandard housing conditions with decent, affordable homes in both the United States and abroad. Garland County Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1995 and is based in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The affiliate serves people in Garland County, Arkansas, and partners with them to build new, affordable homes.

More information about Garland County Habitat for Humanity is available at www.garlandcountyhabitat.com

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