SBU alumnus and leading researcher on homelessness to lead discussion at St. Bonaventure

ST. BONAVENTURE — One of the country’s leading social science researchers on homelessness and assisted housing policy, Dr. Dennis P. Culhane, will discuss his recent work at 7 p.m. Monday, April 14, at St. Bonaventure University’s Rigas Theater in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

The program, “Understanding Homelessness: A Conversation with Dr. Dennis Culhane” is free and open to the public.

 Culhane is the Dana and Andrew Stone Chair in Social Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice. Culhane’s research has contributed to efforts to address the housing and support needs of people experiencing housing emergencies and long-term homelessness.

Following an address by Culhane, St. Bonaventure President Dr. Jeff Gingerich and Vice President for Mission Integration Father Stephen Mimnaugh, OFM, will lead a question-and-answer session.

Culhane’s most recent research has focused on using linked administrative data to gain a better understanding about the service utilization patterns of vulnerable populations, including youth exiting foster care and/or juvenile justice, as well as people aged 55 and older who are experiencing homelessness.

His research also focuses on homelessness among veterans. From 2009 to 2018 Culhane served as director of research at the National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Culhane also co-directs Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy, an initiative that promotes the development, use, and innovation of integrated data systems by states and localities for policy analysis and systems reform.

Culhane graduated summa cum laude in 1985 from St. Bonaventure with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and earned his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Boston College.

During his visit to the Olean area, Culhane will also meet with local stakeholders to discuss homelessness. Last fall, Olean Mayor William J. Aiello formed a Homelessness Taskforce consisting of representatives from several city of Olean departments, social service and medical organizations, and educational institutions.

 Culhane’s visit is sponsored by St. Bonaventure’s Office for Mission Integration and the Olean Area Charter for Compassion.