HHI Recognizes National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness, 2021
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On Monday, November 22, 2021, the rain stopped long enough for the Homeless Health Initiative (HHI) Meet and Greet at the Salvation Army in Pottstown.
The HHI Team – including Dr. Karen Hudson, program leader; HHI interns Juanita Robinson, Courtney Gordon, and Brendan Bellomo; HHI volunteer Emily Thomas; and Bobbie Monaco, nurse practitioner at the CHOP Primary Care Pottstown – worked together to execute a fun and informative Meet and Greet with the families at the Salvation Army.
The event, planned in conjunction with Wendy Egoff, the Pottstown Salvation Army director, attracted local families. The afternoon activities consisted of providing Montgomery County resources and employment information, engaging parents in efforts to better understand health topics of interest to the families, giving away children’s books donated by Reach Out & Read, and passing out developmentally appropriate toys and feminine hygiene products. Emily Thomas, OT and Brendan Bellomo organized engaging play activities, and the children all had fun, despite the chilly November weather.
Some health topics of interest to the families included gun safety, child development, and managing stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. HHI will plan next steps to provide the education requested by families.