Baptist University Students Help the Homeless

Earlier this year, student volunteers from the Baptist Health Sciences University participated in the county-wide Point-in-Time Count, helping the Community Alliance for the Homeless conduct needs assessment surveys with the homeless population in Memphis. The surveys will help identify gaps in health care and support services.

Service-learning events are part of the Baptist University curriculum. More than 40 students majoring in Health Administration, Population Health and Biomedical Sciences volunteered to drive around Memphis conducting the needs assessment surveys and delivering care packages to the homeless. The Community Alliance for the Homeless uses the data to apply for state and federal funding for health care and support services that the homeless need.

Baptist University student Gabrielle Chaney wrote the following note to her professor about her experience:

“Thank you for the opportunity; it was very eye opening. I have done service work in the past, but it was more behind the scenes. This experience was very different, and I learned a lot. I think this is a very good idea and that it should be continued through the years; it makes you appreciate what you have.”

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