School of Social Work News

Associate Professor Kristin Seefeldt was featured in an NPR article that analyzes the decrease of Michigan residents living in poverty as a result of financial aid assistance. Seefeldt discusses how pandemic stimulus checks and expanded unemployment benefits are helping families.

Associate Professor Kristin Seefeldt spoke to WXYZ Detroit about the struggles families face due to food insecurity and how the new SNAP benefit can help. Beginning October 1, the program once known as Food Stamps will be receiving the single largest increase in the program's 46-year history.

Associate Professor and Associate Director for Poverty Solutions Kristin Seefeldt spoke with mid-Michigan station WLNS about Poverty Solution’s latest research. The Michigan Poverty and Well-Being Map show that even before the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic began, about 14% of Michiganders were living in poverty and another 29% of households were struggling to make ends meet. “We really wanted to do work that was meaningful to the communities around the state, so that we can provide information, and potential solutions to some of the challenges that many of these families are facing,” said Seefeldt.

The Michigan COVID-19 Pandemic Resource Guide, published by U-M Poverty Solutions aims to make sure the people who would benefit most from these policy changes are able to take advantage of them.

“The guide demonstrates Poverty Solutions’ commitment to action-based research that is responsive to community needs,” said Kristin Seefeldt, Poverty Solutions associate faculty director and an associate professor of social work and public policy.

Associate Professor Kristin Seefeldt is cited in the New York Times, "Why There Has Been a Surge in Single Mothers Who Work".  “Even with increased wages and even with the changes that are being made around leave policy and the like, employees are still at the mercy of their employers,” said Seefeldt.

Associate Professor Kristin Seefeldt coauthors a new book, "Credit Where It’s Due Rethinking Financial Citizenship." The book advocates for a new understanding of financial citizenship and participation in a financial system that fosters social belonging, dignity and respect.

Associate Professor Kristin Seefeldt gave the keynote address at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work’s symposium “Poverty is a Human Rights Issue: Social Work and Economic Justice". Her talk focused on poverty and inequality, economic well being and family coping strategies.

Kristin Seefeldt, associate professor of social work was quoted in The Bridge about recent changes to Michigan’s emergency heating assistance program that advocates fear and will leave needy residents without the help they need to keep the heat on this winter.