Stefan Hatch, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, is addressing housing instability in Philadelphia through his studies in urban studies and psychology. His research focuses on the challenges faced by renters on affordable housing waitlists, as well as utilizing the PHLHousing+ cash assistance program, which provides support for housing costs. This hands-on experience has broadened Hatch’s understanding of poverty’s impact on individuals and the choices they face.
From Truckee to Philadelphia: A Journey of Exploration
Hatch, originally from Truckee, California, has always had a fascination with urban life. His family’s connections in cities like Chicago and frequent visits to San Francisco fueled his passion for metropolitan experiences. “There’s a lot more to do in big cities, more to explore,” he noted, highlighting his excitement for attending live sports events in Philadelphia.
This enthusiasm for urban environments led him to pursue a degree in urban studies, a discipline he describes as expansive and multifaceted. Throughout his undergraduate career, Hatch has engaged with various city planning and transportation departments, gaining insights into the complex decision-making processes that influence urban landscapes. “Decisions, like where to put parking or bike lanes, go through a lot of processes, which can be both frustrating and rewarding,” he explained.
Exploring the Intersection of Psychology and Housing
Hatch’s double major in psychology reflects his interest in understanding human behavior within urban settings. He believes that learning about psychological principles can enhance his research on how individuals interact with their environments. “The level of psychology in planning isn’t necessarily that deep, but learning how research works was very helpful,” he said.
His role as a courtroom navigator also deepened his understanding of systemic barriers. In this position, he observed how the scheduling of court sessions could affect attendance, prompting him to consider the broader implications of access to justice.
Hatch’s academic journey took a significant turn during his freshman year after taking a class taught by Dr. Dennis Culhane, a prominent social science researcher focused on housing policy and homelessness. “His class showed me that a lot of people have preconceived notions about how housing works,” Hatch recalled. This experience sparked a growing interest in housing issues, which he later explored as a teaching assistant for the same course.
“Rent is the biggest expense that most people are worrying about,” Hatch noted, emphasizing the importance of understanding housing cost burdens. He sees housing as a versatile field with substantial implications for individuals and communities.
As part of the undergraduate research mentoring program at UPenn, Hatch has conducted research at the Risk and Resilience Lab. Working under the guidance of principal investigator Sara Jaffee, a developmental psychologist, he interviewed individuals facing housing cost burdens in Philadelphia. This research aimed to assess the impact of cash assistance on their overall well-being. “Conducting enough interviews gave me a say in the project and helped me understand where the data was going,” said Hatch.
Much like Truckee, Philadelphia has a range of nonprofit organizations and initiatives addressing homelessness and housing instability. Hatch collaborated with the Tenant Union Representative Network (TURN) and recognized that urban areas on the East Coast generally have more shelters compared to the West, highlighting the disparities in resources available to unhoused individuals.
Now in his final year at UPenn, Hatch plans to remain in Philadelphia as he contemplates his next steps, including the possibility of graduate school. “I’ll miss the freedom I had to explore academically, but I’m also looking forward to having more free time,” he said. He remains open to various paths, whether continuing in urban studies or delving deeper into psychology.
Hatch’s commitment to understanding and addressing housing instability reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by urban populations, making his work vital in the pursuit of effective solutions.
