Inspired RCBC Student Brings New Perspective To Homeless Issue

Rowan College at Burlington County student Lauren Purnell wanted to bring attention to the plight of the homeless. As a journalism student at the college, her natural inclination was to start a blog, Naming the Homeless.

On the blog, she publishes personal stories from homeless people. The goal is to tear down break through the negative stigma of being homeless and replace it with the real life stories of the people with feelings, desires and goals who happen to find themselves on the streets.

On the front page, she tells the story of a woman who owned her own business and was married for 36 years. Her world was turned upside down when a violent rape left her paralyzed and her husband died of a stroke. Now, she finds herself living on the streets and in abandoned homes with her younger sister, a recovering addict. Other stories like this can be found on her website, namingthehomeless.com.

Purnell, 20, of Florence, collects the stories while traveling to Philadelphia to deliver care packages to the homeless in Philadelphia. She has also raised over $1,000 to help improve these packages through her “Naming the Homeless: Care Packages” Go FundMe page.

For her efforts, she has been recognized by the college with its Civility Award, the college announced this week. The Civility Award honors a graduating student who has promoted tolerance in their community and made positive contributions in a diverse population.

“Many Civility Award recipients have gone on to do amazing things in their community, although few, if any, have made the type of impact that Lauren has before they have graduated,” said Dr. Jonathan Alexander, associate professor of English and Holocaust Studies, and founding director of the award. “Instead of looking the other way when encountering people who have experienced hard times, Lauren’s compassion pulls her toward them with a helpful hand and an attentive ear.”

Purnell was inspired by her journalism instructor and former Patch Regional Editor Tim Zatzariny, who told all his students to explore their passions and incorporate it into their work.

“I wanted to write about something a lot more meaningful than my life that would connect with others and raise awareness of individuals who are homeless,” Purnell said. “I am so grateful for the support Naming the Homeless has received and hope to continue building upon it as long as there are people who help, compassion and connection with society.”

Zatzariny said he inspires his students to write outside class and be aware of what’s going on in the world. With this project, Purnell has done both and is bringing attention to an issue Zatzariny believes may be ignored by the general public.

“I think because the economy is better, people tend to think homelessness is not a significant issue,” Zatzariny said. “That’s not the case, and she helps us understand the people we pass everyday.”

Purnell plans to continue her journalism studies at Rowan University in the fall after graduation this month. She also won the college’s journalism award at the annual Academic Awards ceremony that recognizes outstanding student achievement in several disciplines.

The attached image was provided by Rowan College at Burlington County