Service-Learning: Promoting Empathy Through the Point-in-Time Count of Homeless Populations

An interprofessional service-learning experience, using the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Point-in-Time (PIT) count of unsheltered homeless, was used as the basis of exposing nursing and public health students to those facing homelessness and housing insecurity in their community.

Learning experiences included pre- and post-PIT count training, PIT count participation, debriefings, online and in-class reflections, and discussion of poverty-related readings. Students unable to participate in the actual count presented nutrition education programs in congregate meal sites.

Participation in the PIT count received positive student feedback and reflected development of knowledge and empathy of those experiencing homelessness and housing and food insecurity.

Health professional programs can use the PIT count to expose students to individuals living in poverty, as well as provide meaningful curricular opportunities to foster a culturally competent and empathetic health services work force. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(7):436-439.].