We are so excited to shine a spotlight on a group of remarkable individuals who are making an impact on their community. Nursing students from Montana State University rotate through volunteering with the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), to grow their skills in working with patients from all walks of life.
These students, who are already balancing the demand of academics, provide their skills and knowledge to the Missoula community. Three of the students, Hannah, Natasha, and Cole, went out for the first time with the HOT Team in October. According to Hannah, the HOT Team had visited their class to give an overview of what working with them was like, and it inspired her for her day with the team. “It’s important to see the whole person when you’re providing care,” and the Homeless Outreach Team can provide a better understanding of what individuals are going through.
Natasha added that knowing the extent of someone’s story “can really help us as bedside nurses. It might indicate that someone needs a little bit of extra support, and at places like St. Patrick Hospital, we can start to provide that.”
For these incredible students, volunteering with the HOT Team goes beyond wanting to help. It also furthers their education, and provides a larger understanding of health in society. The collaboration between Montana State University and the HOT Team has provided an invaluable resource for the students, the team, and the community.
If you are interested in supporting the Homeless Outreach Team, please consider making a donation at: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/poverello-center-inc/i-would-like-to-support-the-hot-team, providing in-kind donations at 1110 West Broadway Avenue, or volunteering using this link: https://thepoverellocenter.org/volunteer/.