Tuesday, Dec. 10, Cory Stewart from InnVision Shelter Network gave a lunchtime talk where she discussed social justice, philanthropy, and the stereotypes surrounding homelessness. Stewart was not only an eloquent and convincing public speaker, but she also shared messages that were inspiring as well.

Stewart began the talk by asking what the audience thinks of when they think of homelessness. Although many offered up ideas such as “people who do not have food or shelter” and “people who do not have enough resources to live on their own” the idea of an old man with a matted beard and missing teeth also came up. The latter is a stereotype that Stewart and the rest of InnVision Shelter Network have been trying to break. Stewart explained that it is important to know the faces of homelessness, not just the statistics. To go beyond just the statistics, Stewart encourages everyone to volunteer whatever they can, whether that be time, money, or resources, to help the homeless population. Volunteering “is a continuum and each person has a part to play.” Stewart said.

The students in the audience were in awe of the wisdom Stewart had to share. Junior Ale Finotto liked that Stewart clarified who the faces of homelessness are. “I think sometimes in our minds when we think of homeless people we think of poor, dirty, old men, when actually, a lot of the time there are families with young kids.” Finotto said.

Stewart’s casual yet firm demeanor set a mood in which people left the room excited to get involved. “We all have opportunities to live healthy lives and we should give back to those who do not.” Finotto said.