I figured I’d take a break from reading about the primary, and the current Republican outrages, to give some props to the students and faculty members who are doing some excellent work with people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix.
A group of students from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona have teamed up to open a weekend health clinic for the homeless. The program is called S.H.O.W. (Student Health Outreach for Wellness). Volunteers from the three universities come together on Saturdays, at a clinic in downtown Phoenix next to the state’s largest homeless shelter, and help men and women who are living on the streets, or staying in homeless shelters, with basic medical needs. They also have student volunteers who assist people in signing up for health insurance.
Health care is a major issue for individuals experiencing homelessness. I work in social work and housing, for a non-profit that assists people with finding and renting apartments through a rapid-rehousing grant for people who are chronically homeless. Besides the immediate need of food and shelter, healthcare is often the next most pressing issue. Even with professional guidance, when someone qualifies for medical insurance, it takes time for healthcare benefits to begin. Emergency rooms can assist with immediate problems, but not long-term needs like insulin or other medications. That’s why health clinics like this are so important. They often fill that gap, and help the most vulnerable of our nation’s uninsured. These students are providing needed, and much appreciated, assistance to people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix.
There is also another benefit to this and similar programs. Students volunteering for S.H.O.W are receiving something positive as well. They are our nation’s future leaders. They may eventually become doctors, nurses, heath care workers, social workers or move on to some other field, but no matter where they go, they now have experience and understanding about what life is like for people who have nothing, and live on the streets. In my experience, when you help our homeless brothers and sisters, you usually receive far more than you give.
Thank you to these students for their compassion and assistance.