Their Stories Project

Volunteer Writer

A woman introduced herself as Maria. She was carrying a single bag with all her belongings inside. 

As we handed her hygiene kits, she quietly asked if we had any women’s shoes. Her sneakers had holes at the bottom, and every step let in water from the rainy sidewalk.

Maria shared that she once worked as a nursing assistant. After her mother passed away, she had no family support system and struggled to keep up with bills. When her landlord raised rent, she was forced to leave her apartment. “I never thought I’d be the one asking for help,” she told us. “I used to be the one helping patients get back on their feet.”

What struck our volunteers most was Maria’s resilience. Even while facing homelessness, she said her biggest dream was to go back to healthcare work. “I still want to take care of people,” she said with a smile. “That part of me hasn’t changed.”

Volunteer Writer 

Homelessness deeply affects families and children. In fact, families with children now make up about 30% of the homeless population in the U.S. For many, a single missed paycheck, medical bill, or rent increase can force them onto the streets.

At our drives, we’ve met parents who describe the heartbreak of trying to shield their children from the instability of shelter life. Kids often struggle with missed school days, lack of privacy, and the stress of constantly moving. The effects can last well into adulthood, creating cycles of poverty and housing insecurity.

Breaking this cycle requires both immediate relief and systemic change: affordable housing initiatives, access to childcare, and long-term job stability. Family homelessness is not just an economic issue. Every step toward stability can change the future of a child.

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2024-AHAR-Part-1.pdf
https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/who-experiences-homelessness/children-and-families/
https://nche.ed.gov/data/
https://www.apa.org/pi/ses/resources/indicator/2013/01/homelessness

Volunteer Writer 

Nearly 11% of adults experiencing homelessness are veterans, despite their service to our country. Many of these men and women struggle with PTSD, physical disabilities, or the difficulty of readjusting to civilian life without steady employment. In shelters, volunteers often meet veterans who feel invisible--those who once wore uniforms with pride, now fighting just to find a safe place to sleep.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, progress has been made in reducing veteran homelessness, but thousands remain without housing on any given night. What they need most is targeted support: mental health services, job training, and community reintegration.

By listening to veterans’ stories and advocating for resources, we not only honor their service but also begin to restore the dignity they deserve.

• HUD 2024 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR, Part 1) – official government data on homelessness, including veterans:
  🔗 HUD 2024 AHAR Part 1 PDF
   
• VA News – Veteran homelessness reaches record low in 2023 – summary of progress and numbers from the Department of Veterans Affairs:
  🔗 VA News article
   
• Journal of Public Health – Veterans with a history of homelessness and mental health – research on PTSD and depression prevalence:
  🔗 Journal of Public Health article (University of Chicago Press)
   
• American Psychological Association (APA) – PTSD in veterans – overview of PTSD prevalence among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans:
  🔗 APA Monitor article on PTSD in vets

Volunteer Writer

During one of our recent clothing drives, a man introduced himself simply as James. He asked us not to use his real name, but he wanted his story to be heard. James had once worked full-time as a forklift operator in a warehouse. When the company shut down, he quickly fell behind on rent. Without family to lean on, he was evicted within two months.

James explained that what hurts most is not hunger or cold, but how people treat him. “When you’re on the street, people don’t look you in the eye,” he said. “It’s like you stop being human to them.” Despite these challenges, James still carries a small notebook where he writes poems about his joys in life. He showed one of our volunteers a line he had written: “A name is the only roof I have left, but I refuse to let it collapse.”

Stories like James’s remind us that homelessness is not an identity. It’s an experience. Behind every person without a home is someone with talents, memories, and dreams. By sharing these stories, we can humanize the issue and work toward solutions grounded in empathy and respect.

Volunteer Writer

Hygiene is one of the most overlooked needs for individuals experiencing homelessness. Many shelters can provide a bed, but far fewer can guarantee access to showers, laundry, or hygiene products. According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, more than half of homeless adults report having no access to basic facilities such as sinks or showers.

Lack of hygiene is not just about dignity; it has direct health consequences. Skin infections, dental problems, and increased vulnerability to contagious illnesses all rise when people are forced to live without soap, clean clothes, or toothbrushes. Volunteers at our drives consistently hear requests for deodorant, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products—items often considered “extras” in donation drives, but that mean everything to those in need.

Donating hygiene kits and supporting shelters that prioritize these resources can provide immediate relief and long-term health benefits.

Volunteer Writer

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/

Volunteer Writer

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. 

Volunteer Writer

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

Volunteer Writer

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 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.