Housing

Housing insecurity is an escalating crisis nationwide, with a record number of households struggling to afford rent, maintain stable housing, or access safe living conditions. In Travis County, the burden disproportionately affects low-income households, racial and ethnic minorities, families with children or older adults, and individuals with disabilities. Our team at the Moritz Center is working with researchers across campus and the community on research projects focused on housing insecurity, with a particular focus on the intersection between homelessness and health. Our projects range in scope and use different methods, allowing us to speak to different facets of housing insecurity. In addition to conducting research to better our understanding of housing insecurity, our aim is to inform public policy and social work practice. 

Akram Al-Turk, PhD is a Researcher, Professor, and Program Director for the Moritz Center’s Housing Program. His current work focuses on understanding the complex causes of housing instability and evaluating the impact of homeless service programs. Prior to joining the Moritz Center, he was the Senior Director of Research and Public Policy at the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition in Travis County. He has led community-based research projects and collaborated with service providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups. Dr. Al-Turk holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from UNC-Chapel Hill and an M.A. in Global Policy Studies from the LBJ School, where he now teaches as an adjunct faculty member.