“When you are an institution like Georgia State and have a homeless population two or three blocks away from you, and if you are not doing something, that is a problem,” Atraga said. These people were experiencing some very unfavorable conditions, but they would always come in with a smile, and I swear I felt like I was their granddaughter, and it truly felt like I was just catching up with old friends every time they came in.” “They were just the sweetest, most genuine characters I have ever gotten to meet. “They were just like the best buddies ever you would always see them together,” she said. During her time at SafeHouse, Newhouse enjoyed seeing familiar faces, and there was a trio of men who she was always excited to catch up with. Their visits weren’t all business, though. But he didn’t know where to get a new supply of needles, so there are just some little things that create a huge barrier in their care.” “However, he was reusing his needles because he didn’t realize you’re supposed to change it out every time, and there’s a risk for infection. “We had a gentleman who was a diabetic, and he was giving himself insulin shots, which is really great,” Newhouse described. The students also walk their patients through best practices for general wellbeing, like diet and blood pressure, along with ways to manage existing health conditions. “And I just I love to see the instant relief of putting your toes in some warm water, you could just kind of see that moment. “It just really turned into a spa day for them, I think,” Newhouse said. (Photo by Meg Buscema)Ī central component to the visit is foot care, where the patients receive an Epsom salt foot bath and clean pairs of socks - instant relief for anyone consistently on their feet. Student Anna Woo conducts a health screening with a patient. SafeHouse and GSU expand medical care for those without homes - SaportaReport Close

Atlanta safe house