Cynthia Latcham Named President of Anawim Housing

Des Moines, IA— Anawim Housing has named Cynthia Latcham President of Anawim Housing. Latcham succeeds Russ Frazier who stepped down as president this May. Latcham served as Executive Director of Anawim Housing since 2020 – a position she was promoted to after serving as Director of Programs and Services. Latcham celebrated her ten-year anniversary with the organization this past April. Latcham’s passion is to end homelessness in Polk County and Iowa through broad system changes and addressing injustice, systemic poverty and trauma. She is a frequent conference presenter on Housing First, Harm Reduction and Permanent Supportive Housing. She received her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Drake University and serves on the statewide Permanent Supportive Housing Advisory Committee.

The Anawim Housing Board of Directors engaged in a detailed selection process for the successor, involving an internal and external search. Succession planning has been in process for the past year to successfully move the organization forward under new leadership.

Matt Callanan, Anawim Board of Directors Vice Chair, shared: “We appreciate all that Russ has done for the organization, and we thank him for pouring his heart and soul into pursuing Anawim’s mission. But I cannot think of anyone better suited to continue Anawim’s legacy than Cynthia Latcham. Cynthia’s experience, thoughtfulness, and passion are unmatched. I cannot be more excited to watch Anawim thrive under her guidance.”

“I look forward to continuing to address the shortage of both affordable housing and permanent supportive housing in Iowa. Housing is foundational and fundamental in achieving health, education and life goals and every person deserves a home that is safe and that they can afford. Anawim Housing is poised to make a significant impact in this arena and has a talented team to carry out the vision of our organization.” – Latcham shared.

Latcham formally assumed her new role as President on May 15 of this year. 

A celebration event is planned for June 29th: Celebrating Change and Honoring Our Mission. The event will include commemoration to Russ Frazier for his thirteen years of leadership and welcoming in Cynthia Latcham as president of Anawim Housing. Event to be held at the Des Moines Art Center.