Hundreds of students attend Symposium on Homelessness, provide food for those in need

Nearly 350 senior-level students from USI, Ivy Tech Community College, University of Evansville and Indiana University School of Medicine - Evansville participated in the eighth annual Symposium on Homelessness Monday, February 17 in Carter Hall. Following welcoming remarks from Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, students heard from local experts and attended a volunteer fair offering opportunities to get involved with area agencies that directly address homelessness.

Julie St. Clair, clinical assistant professor of nursing, spearheads the planning of this annual event, which raises awareness of homelessness and educates students about the needs of a vulnerable population they will likely encounter during their careers in healthcare, education and social work.

Additionally, students in USI's Food and Nutrition program organized a food drive at the symposium. Student participants from the four academic institutions brought enough items to stock almost 500 food bags to be distributed to the homeless through Aurora and at the upcoming Homeless Connect event.