From UUC's Homelessness Ministries Team



What started as a simple offer of a parking lot has grown into something much deeper. Our partnership with the Tent City 3 community has brought our communities closer to one another through donations, shared meals, and genuine friendships. Two recent events—the Foot Care Clinics and Community Health Fair—clearly show how meaningful these connections have become.

This spring, the church hosted four Foot Care Clinics with healthcare services provided by U-District Street Medicine (UDSM). UDSM is a UW student-run, inter-professional volunteer group that provides healthcare to unhoused individuals in the University District. Student volunteers and healthcare professionals offered foot baths, cleanings, medical consultations, and referrals for additional services. Each participant also received foot care kits and new socks. These kits—containing soap, moisturizing lotion, socks, and other care items—were generously donated by the congregation and deeply appreciated by participants. Each of these sessions were also filled with compassionate care, laughter, smiles, and genuine connection between volunteers and the participants.

At the Community Health Fair, U-District Street Medicine partnered with UDSM Outreach, the Student Health Initiative For Access (SHIFA), U-TEST, and Project Helping to provide comprehensive healthcare services. Thirty-three participants received:

• Complete health vitals checks
• Pre-diabetes and blood glucose screenings
• HIV testing
• Follow-up service information and referrals to additional healthcare resources
• Essential healthcare kits with care supplies

Sharing resources and energy between a community that has much with a community that has little has strengthened both. We look forward to continuing and expanding our partnerships with our neighbors at Tent City 3!