Longwood students from Nursing, Social Work, Elementary Education, and Theatre recently participated in an immersive Interprofessional Education (IPE) experience exploring housing insecurity and homelessness hosted by the College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS). Students began the evening by assuming the roles of recently unhoused individuals and families, sharing a mock soup kitchen meal donated by The Fishin’ Pig, and constructing makeshift shelters after learning the simulated local shelter was at capacity. Cardboard for the experience was generously donated by Poulston’s Appliances.
Throughout the evening, students encountered changing circumstances and reflection challenges designed to illustrate the complexities of housing instability. The experience concluded with a simulated eviction facilitated by Longwood University Police Department, followed by a debriefing where officers and students discussed homelessness, eviction, community resources, and the ways different professions can work together to support individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity.
Interested in more IPE events? Reach out to IPE Committee Co-Chairs Dr. Jenn Cuchna (Kinesiology Faculty) and Dr. Shannon Salley (Associate Dean and Communications Sciences and Disorders Faculty).