Their Stories Project

PRANAVI SUTHARI

The homelessness crisis in the United States is a pressing concern, with an estimated 580,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. Providing shelter, healthcare, and support presents profound challenges nationwide. In Atlanta, the crisis aligns with the national trend, and a particular concern worsening the situation is the limited availability of warm clothes and blankets for individuals experiencing homelessness. Shockingly, recent statistics reveal that over 70% of Atlanta's homeless population lacks access to basic winter necessities, such as warm clothing and blankets. As temperatures drop, individuals on the streets endure harsh conditions without adequate protection, adding urgency to the crisis.

Homelessness in the U.S. is a complex issue, influenced by factors like rising housing costs, unemployment, mental health issues, and a lack of affordable healthcare. Atlanta reflects these complexities, emphasizing the immediate concern of insufficient warm clothing and blankets. Ongoing efforts to address homelessness in the U.S. and Atlanta include comprehensive solutions, such as outreach programs and supportive housing projects. However, the critical need for warm clothing and blankets should be urgently addressed, as it is a basic necessity for the well-being of those facing homelessness.

The shortage of affordable housing options compounds the issue, leaving many with limited choices and increasing the risk of chronic homelessness. Atlanta, like other urban centers, struggles with a lack of affordable housing, contributing to the challenging cycle of homelessness. To break this cycle, systemic changes are necessary, and awareness and advocacy efforts remain crucial. Addressing the immediate need for warm clothes and blankets can make a significant difference, providing relief to those experiencing homelessness during challenging times.

Sources:

https://atlantamission.org/the-hidden-homeless-what-youre-not-seeing-in-the-statistics/

https://www.ajc.com/news/homeless-population-drops-atlanta-but-families-may-get-overlooked/5lOu8xrgyR3nsH777XK8EM/

TWINKLE PALIT

The Problem

Addiction casts a profound shadow over the lives of homeless individuals; 38% of homeless people struggle with alcohol abuse, while 26% abuse various other drugs. Many turn to substance abuse to escape from the realities of homelessness but resultantly are trapped in the vicious cycle of dependency. Over time, this constant substance abuse worsens not only the physical health but also the mental well-being of individuals. The drastic increase in substance abuse also reduces opportunities for rehabilitation due to the expenses associated with it.

Breaking free from addiction while simultaneously struggling with homelessness presents a challenge that’s exceedingly difficult to overcome. Several factors including social stigmas and the lack of financial resources cause hindrances in recovery. It is essential to take comprehensive approaches that address substance abuse and homelessness; by doing so, we can find the root causes of homelessness and provide stability for those in need. 

Learn more: Substance Abuse and Homelessness: Statistics and Rehab Treatment (americanaddictioncenters.org) 

SHAINA JHANJI AND MAHI KHEMANI

What is HOSA? 

Since 1976, HOSA has been an organization promoting careers in the field of health science with a mission to empower members “to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience”. The organization offers a variety of unique opportunities, from leadership development to competitive events, that allow middle and high school students to gain experience that will assist them as they pursue health professions, ultimately increasing the quality of health care available to all. One such opportunity HOSA offers is Community Awareness, an event that encourages students to create a campaign that promotes a health or safety issue within their community. Our selected issue is the homeless hygiene crisis.

What is the Homeless Hygiene Crisis?

The Homeless Hygiene Crisis refers to the challenges that people experiencing homelessness face in obtaining basic supplies and facilities for cleanliness. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that individuals struggling with homelessness are at a much higher risk of infectious diseases, and overcrowding severely contributes to exacerbating the issue. Unsanitary conditions promote the spread of harmful bacteria, pathogens, and dangerous viruses, which stresses the body’s immune system. A weaker immune system leaves individuals more prone to life-threatening illnesses and has severe long term consequences if left untreated. According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, in a survey of adults who were currently experiencing homelessness, 56% reported that they did not have access to showering, hand washing, or bathing facilities. The Journal of Urban Health found that as a result of these conditions, 34% of people experiencing homelessness reported having numerous skin issues and infections, while 31% of them reported having dental problems such as tooth decay.

Why are these concerns “out of sight?”

Homelessness is typically associated with negative stereotypes, which can make it challenging for people to talk about within their community.  In addition, hygiene-related concerns may make people feel embarrassed or humiliated, which further hinders our ability to spread public awareness. Lack of knowledge about the subject also influences our ability to shed light on this matter. We conducted general surveys in our community and discovered that many people are unable to comprehend the difficulties that homeless people face, specifically the ability to obtain essential hygiene resources. Without this knowledge, it is challenging for people to comprehend the gravity of this matter.

How can we help?

The lack of access to hygiene products is an issue that needs to be urgently addressed within our community. Our campaign works to highlight the struggles of local homeless populations and bring attention to a problem that has been neglected for far too long. Some ways to assist homeless individuals in making hygiene a priority include donating basic hygiene products, volunteering, and contributing to the spread of awareness. Donating basic hygiene items including soap, deodorant, baby wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and menstrual products is one of the most effective methods to help the homeless improve their health conditions. Donations can be made to neighborhood shelters, outreach initiatives, or charities that assist those who are homeless. In addition, in order to assist with the distribution of hygiene items, many organizations that assist the homeless rely on volunteers. You can directly improve the lives of homeless people in your neighborhood by becoming involved today.

Our February Sanitary Product Drive

In February, we went to Robert W. Woodruff Park in Atlanta to distribute over 1000 sanitary products. After talking to the struggling individuals themselves, we recognized that they were most interested in receiving soap. They talked to us about how using bar soap is the most efficient way for them to freshen up. In fact, we ran out of the packages with bar soap within 30 minutes. After handing them the packages, we explained how to make the best use of the donated products since they were a temporary supply and shared ways for them to reach out to shelters and more local organizations for further assistance. 

TWINKLE PALIT

Mental Illness

One in three homeless people struggle with mental illnesses. Homelessness compounds preexisting mental health conditions and triggers new issues that result from stress, trauma, and the instability that is inherent in living on the streets. This vulnerable demographic is extremely susceptible to conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc., which can often obstruct the ability to obtain and maintain stable housing, employment, and essential social connections.

The lack of access to mental health resources supports and further exacerbates the decline in the mental health of homeless individuals. Negative stigmas encapsulating mental illnesses long with limited mental health services leave many individuals to suffer in silence. It is important to take holistic approaches that address the interplay of internal and societal factors that contribute to homelessness, and, as volunteers, we make sure to approach these matters with respect and understanding.  

Learn more: Homeless Mentally Ill Facts and Figures : Mental Illness Policy Org

​SHAINA JHANJI

Clothing Drive

Out of the diabetic American population, 41% have difficulty walking and 42% have a loss of foot sensitivity. This is due to high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves and blood vessels in their feet, which is quite common among diabetic patients. However, 1 in 3 diabetic patients who are also homeless have a higher chance of needing a foot amputation if left untreated. 

Diabetics are encouraged to wear clean socks to protect their feet. But they’re not the only ones who need to keep their soles safe. At our clothing drives, socks are always in high demand. Most homeless individuals rarely take their shoes off, they tell us. After running out of socks to distribute 30 minutes into our first drive, we make sure to bring extras with us to give out no matter what type of drive we’re hosting

For more information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5147925/ 

7.9 million parents and children struggle to get access to basic healthcare in America, 45,000 Americans die every year due to financial healthcare incapabilities, and unhealthy diets contribute to about 678,000 deaths each year in the U.S, many of which are caused by lack of education about eating and cheap fast foods that appeal financially to struggling populations. We hope to make these numbers decline even the slightest bit, and to which I am proud to present Care4People as a growing nonprofit organization that aims to improve access to basic needs by providing supplies and opportunities for the underprivileged to improve their health. 

We, Nancy and Shaina Jhanji, began our efforts in 2020, and we have recently been looking to organize fundraisers to provide medical kits to those in need and educate people about basic healthcare. COVID-19 has been a major setback for all Americans, and we understand how it has drawn a lot of medical attention and stress towards hospitals. America had reached a point where hospitals were overflowing with patients and supplies were low. To help support our brave doctors and nurses during that time, we handmade and distributed over 1000 masks and donated them to hospitals and our local homeless population. We have also recently reached out to Children’s Healthcare of America and are working with them to gather donations to provide patients with the utmost care.

Our goals:

Short term- organizing drives based on struggling population’s current needs

Long term-organizing medical volunteer clinics in underserved areas and seminars to educate and spread awareness.