Kimberly Skobba
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor
104 Housing and Consumer Research Center (House C)
415 Sanford Dr.
Athens, GA 30602
Education
| Degree | Field of Study | Institution | Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Design, Housing and Apparel – Housing Studies emphasis | University of Minnesota | 2008 |
| M.A. | Design, Housing and Apparel | University of Minnesota | 2002 |
| B.A. | Communications | Augsburg College | 1997 |
Research
My research focuses on two distinct areas 1) the housing needs of low-income households and 2) the relationship between community development and social capital in rural and small towns. Through the use of a qualitative, biographical method, I study the connection between housing pathways and life circumstances of low-income households. My research on housing instability among low-income households has advanced the understanding of the different strategies that families use to maintain shelter and the ways in which personal characteristics and life course events affect their ability to find and maintain housing. My second area of research examines the housing and community development experiences and the role of social capital in community development capacity of rural and small towns. My research in this area uses surveys, qualitative data collection and case studies to better understand the housing and community development challenges and potential solutions facing rural and small town communities in the Southeastern region of the United States.
Teaching
FHCE 3300: Housing in Contemporary Society
FHCE 5360S/7360S: Topics in Sustainable Housing
FHCE 4360E/6360E: Rural Housing and Economic Development
FYOS 1001: The Meaning of Home
Awards
| Award Name | Awarded By | Year Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Service Learning Research Excellence Award | University of Georgia | 2016 |
| Richard B. Russell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching | University of Georgia | 2016 |
| Bill and June Flatt Outstanding Teacher of the Year | FACS College | 2016 |
| Lily Teaching Fellow | University of Georgia | 2014-16 |
Areas of Expertise
Housing insecurity and residential instability among low-income households, use of biographical research methods to study housing pathways, housing and community development
Journal Articles
Select publications:
- Skobba, K. Housing pathways and housing careers: Two roads diverge? Housing, Theory and Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/14036096.2023.2205403
- Skobba, K., Moorman, D., Meyers, D., White, K., & Tiller, L. (2022). Nowhere to go: Housing pathways of college students with foster care and homelessness experience. Child & Family Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12944
- Diaz, F., Holman, M. & Skobba, K. (2022). Local leaders' perceptions of housing access and segregation. Family and Consumer Science Research Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/fcsr.12439
- Odeyemi, E. & Skobba, K. (2021). Housing affordability among rural and urban female-headed householders in the United States. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-021-09802-3
- Osinubi, A., Skobba, K., Tinsley, K. & Ziebarth, A. (2021). Perceptions and affordable rental housing: A small-town perspective from Georgia. Housing and Society, https://doi.org/10.1080/08882746.2021.1940447
- Skobba, K., Moorman, D., & Meyers, D. (2021). The cost of early independence: Unmet material needs among college students with homelessness or foster care histories. Journal of Adolescent Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/07435584211014831
- Odeyemi, E. & Skobba, K. (2020). Who is at the table? Civic engagement in small town housing decision-making. Local Government Studies. https://doi.org/10.1080/03003930.2020.1864334
- Shannon, J., Skobba, K., Durham, J. and Polak, C. (2020). “Really Knowing” the community: Citizen science, VGI, and community housing assessments. Journal of Planning Education and Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456X20976807
- Skobba, K., Osinubi, A., & Tinsley, K. (2019). What about rural blight? Housing and neighborhood conditions in Southeastern small towns. Rural Sociology, DOI: 10.1111/ruso.12269
- Skobba, K., Meyers, D. & Tiller, L. (2018). Getting by and getting ahead: Social capital and transition to college among homeless and foster youth. Children and Youth Services Review, 94, 198-206.
- Skobba, K., & Tinsley, K. (2016) Addressing housing and neighborhood revitalization needs in Georgia’s rural and small towns: A study of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing Community Development, 47(4) 449-463.
- Skobba, K., & Tinsley, K. (2016). Addressing housing and neighborhood revitalization needs in Georgia’s rural and small towns: A study of the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing Community Development, 47(4) 449-463.
- Skobba, K. (2016). Exploring the housing pathways of low-income women: A biographical approach. Housing, Theory & Society, 33(1) 41-58.
Working Papers
Skobba, K (2013) Understanding homeownership disparities among racial and ethnic groups. Study prepared for Minnesota Homeownership Center and Wells Fargo.
Goetz, E.G., Skobba, K. & Yuen, C. (2010). The impact of subsidized housing on very low-income families. Study prepared for The McKnight Foundation.
Henry-Blythe, S. & Skobba, K. (2008). Infant toddler discovery project: A community-driven research model. Study commissioned by the Family Housing Fund.
Skobba, K. & Rosenberg. L. (2008). Manufactured housing in Minnesota: Overview and policy challenges. Study prepared for the Minnesota Housing Partnership, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Halbach, C., Skobba, K. & Rosenberg, L. (2008). Building public will: Research and analysis. Study commissioned by The McKnight Foundation.