Madison collected survey data from people experiencing homelessness regarding their interest in, and suggestions for, a safe sleep area in Birmingham using The Compassion Project during The World Games 2022 as a sample. Participants answered survey questions regarding their usage of  services, safety and thoughts on the Compassion Project overall. After analyzing this data, Madison decided to further investigate safety and medical needs in regards to the recently approved Home for All project. Based on the survey results and listening sessions with Firehouse residents, she created an executive summary that details the results from the surveys and listening sessions as well as shares recommendations for improving safety and medical care from the perspectives of people with lived homelessness experience. This executive report will be shared with stakeholders in the Home for All project. Her recommendations can be incorporated into the construction and maintenance of the Home for All project to increase participation and overall success. 

As a result of the program:

• 33 survey responses were collected from people with lived homelessness experience on safe sleep areas and usage of services at the Compassion Project.                   
• Two listening sessions were conducted regarding safety and medical needs while experiencing street homelessness.                                                                                                                          
• An executive report was created detailing results from the survey and listening sessions  as well as recommendations for meeting safety and medical needs at the Home For All project ensuring  that input of people with lived homelessness experience will be incorporated into the site.

“This project has opened my eyes to the challenges of starting a new health equity project. It has also emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of those you are trying to serve when starting a project.”