Center of Excellence Service and Research Event for the Homeless
By Brent Davis
Homelessness is a major issue in America, especially California. It is the mission of the AUHS Center of Excellence in Homelessness Services and Studies to understand the barriers to housing and flourishing and to develop and advocate for better pathways to flourishing, not just housing.
On Thursday, August 27, 2026, students and faculty of AUHS met with homeless and marginalized members of the community to provide them with health screenings, informational presentations on health matters, and engage in interviews with them to determine priority needs and connect them with resources.
To begin, Pastor Gregory preached a sermon on “You Have a Voice,” which was well received, followed by a review of the results from the last event which highlighted some areas that the people there needed to be aware of such as continuing to take medication even if symptoms were not present. The students gave presentations on hypertension, opioid poisoning, and diabetes. Clients could then get tested to see whether they were at risk of hypertension and diabetes.
Motivational interviews helped clients to identify priority needs and connect them with local resources to address those needs. Optional prayer was also provided.
At the conclusion, food and a small cash gift were provided.
From the responses of many of the clients, the information, screenings, resource connections, prayer, and material assistance were greatly appreciated. The COE team looks forward to the next event with great anticipation.
