2017 CIIP Program Book 2017 CIIP Program Book | Page 49

Community Partner: United Way of Central Maryland - Project Homeless
Connect
Intern: Rumsha Salman
Site Supervisors: Aparna Nagaraju
What is United Way of Central Maryland’s Project Homeless Connect?
Project Homeless Connect is a national model for delivering services to the homeless
community by bringing together services to meet every need into one place at one time.
"My internship at United Way of Central Maryland has allowed me to better understand
homelessness and poverty in Baltimore city and how local non-profits and community
organizations play an essential role in improving access to medical care, shelter, and many
basic resources.
What I loved about interning at Project Homeless Connect was that I had the opportunity to
learn new skills every day. I was tasked with recruiting service providers and volunteers for
the event in October, which allowed me to meet people from many different organizations
who are passionate about improving our community. By sitting in meetings with dental and
medical providers and mental health specialists, I’ve learned about the issues that arise
from the difficulty in accessing affordable care and the importance of incorporating a mental
health framework into existing programs that address homelessness in the city.
Besides my event-planning work for PHC, I got to experience some other projects United
Way is working on. I went to the Eastside District Court to observe the Docket for Homeless
persons, shadow 2-1-1 calls, and make IDs at the Franciscan Center. I also learned about
policy initiatives to help end homelessness in Baltimore through the Journey Home and
attending Continuum of Care meetings.
This is my last summer break before I graduate this coming December. Although I still don’t
know if I want to work in the non-profit sector or in the medical field, my internship at
United Way has given me insight into both worlds and has bolstered my passion for
community involvement. I’m very excited for the Project Homeless Connect event in
October and seeing the work I’ve been doing this summer come to life." -Rumsha
• Recruited service providers
and volunteers for the 2017
Project Homeless Connect
event that will provide people
experiencing homelessness
with access to on-site medical,
dental, and social resources.
• Recorded and compiled data
from previous PHC events and
ALICE project
• Photoshopped IDs and event
layout
• Organized inventory and
ordered giveaways for PHC
event
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