Cynthia Latcham has been named executive director of Anawim Housing, officially beginning her duties last month. Latcham previously held the position of director of programs and services at the agency, which provides permanent, supportive housing for people who have been homeless or live with a mental illness, substance abuse, physical disability or diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, or are fleeing domestic violence. Latcham also serves the Polk County Continuum of Care as co-chair of the Director’s Council, as well as serving on other committees, according to a news release. The release states that Latcham is passionate about ending homelessness, and addressing injustice, systemic poverty and trauma through broad system changes. She received her masters’ degree in public administration from Drake University. “Cynthia will continue Anawim’s expansive growth of our programs as we bring our unique and successful services to the broader central Iowa community and beyond,” Russ Frazier, president of Anawim Housing, said in the release.