Ending homelessness is one of the twelve Grand Challenges [link] for social work. To that purpose, the University of Maryland School of Social Work is committed to creating partnerships to alleviate homelessness in Baltimore and beyond. The Homelessness Social Work Council was formed to address the complex issues surrounding homelessness and those who are at risk. Council members include faculty, staff, and MSW students; representatives from organizations that provide homeless services; and elected officials.

The Council is dedicated to increasing cultural awareness and communication, while promoting research, knowledge and advocacy. The following main goals of the Council are to:

  • Expand partnerships and collaborations with agencies that provide services to the homeless population.
  • Increase field education internships for MSW students and prepare a workforce that is passionate about helping homeless individuals and families.
  • Develop and enhance curriculum content, drawing from engagement with homeless service providers, advocates, policy makers and philanthropic agencies.
  • Increase communication and networking opportunities between individuals, agencies, and organizations that share common goals.
  • Develop an interprofessional model for providing comprehensive services within the entire campus – Schools of Social Work, Medicine, Law, Nursing, Dentistry, and Pharmacy.
  • Explore data, trends, causes of homelessness, and best practice models in order to develop solutions.
  • Promote advocacy and the formulation of new policies that will improve the quality of life of the homeless

To find out more information about the Homeless Social Work Council, please contact:

Office of Field Education
University of Maryland School of Social Work
525 W. Redwood Street, 5th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 706-7187

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