UM Grad Students Help Homeless Vets

Story By: Rebecca Peeples

      According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on any given night an estimate 
of 62,619 veterans are homeless. In 2009, The VA office in Birmingham did a survey and issued a report which stated there were about 500 homeless veterans in the Birmingham area at the time. The number of homeless vets is on the rise.

UM grad student, Shelley Seritt

      Instead of just writing a paper for their advocacy project, UM grad student,Shelley Seritt, and two other grad students decided to have a toiletry drive for homeless veterans. They chose to do this drive because each member has a personal connection to people that has served in the different branches of the military. "I just want to raise awareness that there are soldiers and veterans out there that gave almost everything to help us. This is the least we can do," said Seritt. 

      Toiletry items such as shampoo, deodorant, paper towels, toilet tissue are needed as well as cleaning supplies. Items collected will be donated to Three Hots and a Cots' in Birmingham and Friendship Mission in Montgomery. 
        The drive is going on now and ends November 22. Items can be dropped off on the first floor of Wills Hall next to room 110.