Despite all of the challenges thrown our way in 2020, our dedicated team of volunteers has been committed to serving those experiencing homelessness. We have been fortunate to partner with Housing Forward and launch numerous new initiatives this year. We look forward to continuing our efforts to bring health and healing to our local homeless population this year.
Read more to find out about our current initiatives and how you can get involved!
MEAL DELIVERIES & HOUSE-TO-HOME KITS We had a busy summer preparing and delivering over 300 meals and collecting items for Housing Forward's House-to-Home kits.
STREET MEDICINE IN ACTION During the peak months of the shelter-in-place restrictions, our volunteer physicians did weekly check-ins with clients at the hotels. Our medical students made over 900 Covid screening phone calls over the course of September through October. We also collaborated with the Peds Mobile Health Unit to provide free vaccinations and back-to-school physicals.
We are excited to announce that our weekly medical clinic has been ongoing as of November. Your generous donations have allowed us to purchase essential medical supplies and provide clients with much needed items such as hand sanitizer, socks, and healthy snacks.
FREE FLU SHOTS! On November 24th, Housing Forward's clients had the opportunity to get their annual flu vaccine at the Write Inn. A big thank you to the Jewel Osco pharmacy team who helped provide free flu shots to our clients!
VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING SERIES BEGINS After months of planning, we finally launched the Virtual Health Education Programming Series. Our first session focused on COVID-19 myths and facts which included time for clients to ask questions to Loyola Street Medicine's very own, Dr. Kevin Boblick. Thank you to everyone who helped get this programming off the ground! Stay tuned for future sessions on wellness, nutrition, mental health, and more.
We wrapped up the year by participating in Housing Forward's Adopt-a-Family Gift Giving Campaign. Thanks to the generous time and donations of our community, we were able to provide 12 of our local community members with some essential items to help them through the winter and brighten their holiday season. Special thanks to M3 Maria Young for organizing this effort!
We would like to give a special shoutout to Firehouse Subs in Stone Park for sponsoring a Community Day on December 21st, which also happened to be National Homeless Persons Memorial Day. They raised $564 for Loyola Street Medicine. Thank you Firehouse Subs for your generosity!
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of the volunteers, donors, and supporters who have made the Loyola Street Medicine program possible over the last year. We couldn't have done this without you!
