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Class conducts survey among homeless

By By Kristen Jarboe (Contact)

Monday, April 17, 2006

A homeless man handed the paper to Colleen Skaggs, “I hope I was helpful,” he said as he handed the survey to her.

The survey, conducted under the social welfare class Advanced Communication and Advocacy Practice, focused on the options that Lawrence provides for the homeless. The class of 17 students, taught by Helen Hartnett, assistant professor of social welfare, helped students grasp a better understanding of the homeless.

Skaggs, Lawrence graduate student, said that the homeless liked knowing they were helping them with education.

“This has been a great experience for students, myself and fellow researcher, Toni Johnson and the people who have participated,” she said. “It has provided a hands-on opportunity to practice and to share stories with people the students may not have had contact with in another way.”

Part of the reason why the survey was conducted was because a report that named Lawrence the second ‘meanest city’ to the homeless in the United States. The title was given in an annual survey, which was released in January 2006, conducted by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty.

“We want to get their opinion of how Lawrence treats them and respond to their needs,” said Carla Wozniak, Chicago, Ill., graduate student.

The survey was held at three different times in the Lawrence Public Library.The final survey was done Saturday.

So far, the class has received positive responses.

“They have been very willing to help out,” Skaggs said. “We’ve had the opportunity to meet with these people and talk with them.”

The class also brings with them various items to give the homeless the after they fill out the survey. Items include socks, batteries, radios, bus passes and water bottles.

At first the incentives were a concern because they wanted to give participants something they would use. “We wanted to give them choices and provide things that maybe the shelter doesn’t have for them,” Krista Lee, Topeka graduate student

Instead of just proving that January survey was wrong, the class wanted to promote community awareness.

“We want to give a voice to the people that are affected and take the information and advocate public concern,” said Rachael Nickerson, Shawnee graduate student.

Wozniak said that the survey provided a great way to take action and apply theories to the real world.

“We’re able to put into practice what we’re learning in the classroom,” said Stephanie Sherode, Salina graduate student.

Results of the survey as a whole will not be ready until the end of May. The class cannot comment yet on any of their findings.

Not only do the students benefit and learn, Skaggs said this really puts things in perspective.

“Plus,” she said, smiling, “it’s nice to get out of the classroom, too.”

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