Students Gather More Than 600 Signatures Against Homelessness Program Elimination

A group of Salve Regina students collected 620 petitions from around the state to present to Senate President M. Teresa Paiva-Weed at the university's campus on Wednesday. A last minute scheduling conflict prevent Paiva-Weed from attending. The 15 social work and human service students said they became interested in the issue of homelessness after their social welfare policy class read “Growing Up Empty,” a study on homelessness in America written by Loretta Schwartz-Nobel.

The students collaborated with the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless, an organization that strives to create solutions to preserve the quality of life and dignity of Rhode Islanders facing homelessness.

The petitions were signed to express concern over the Governor’s planned elimination of the Neighborhood Opportunities Program (NOP) in the 2011 budget. The NOP works to eliminate homelessness in Rhode Island by developing affordable housing for low-income families.

“The homeless are a vulnerable population that doesn’t get to speak for themselves on a lot of issues, so it’s important for us to get involved," Natalie Balletta, a junior at Salve Regina, said.

Presenting the petitions culminated their efforts throughout the semester which included attending press conferences, luncheons, and work group meetings for the coalition. Through these events, the students learned of the efforts of the NOP, the key issues surrounding homelessness in Rhode Island and what actions can be taken to further the mission of the coalition.

The students also attended “SRU Day,” a University event where they shared facts about homelessness with their classmates and how they too can become involved with the cause.

“We are now educated on this topic and this knowledge is applicable to every single person. Now we can continue to educate others and work to eliminate stereotypes surrounding homelessness for years to come,” added sophomore social work major Katrina Fortier.

The students continued their presentation under the guidance of their professor, Dr. Mary Montminy-Danna.

“This was the first time we’ve done a project as a group in this class and I think it really brought the students together,” Montminy-Danna, Associate Professor of Social Work, said.

“It was really interesting to see the coalition at work as well as the great support coming from Newport. This class has opened my eyes and made me passionate about the cause,” sophomore Erika McKeon said.