Bethany Gulley , ABA Law Student Division Representative at University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law, with the help of a Division grant, hosted an event to educate students, staff, and faculty about homelessness in Little Rock.
On October 11, 2007, approximately 40 individuals gathered over lunch to learn about the issues facing homeless individuals in Little Rock and to discuss how lawyers, students, and other individuals can help.
Gulley brought together speakers from several local homeless shelters for a panel discussion to educate the audience as a part of the ABA Law Student Division Work-A-Day campaign. Speakers from Black Community Developers, Our House, and St. Francis House shared stories and information, giving the audience insight to the problems faced by the homeless in Little Rock.
The attendees welcomed a special guest who came at the invitation of the Black Community Developers—an individual who had been helped through the programs at this organization—and spoke to the group about what it is like to be homeless. The man told his story and shared how he has been able to secure employment and begin the process of finding somewhere to live.
This guest speaker’s story, and examples from other stories that the panelists shared, helped the audience understand the new face of homelessness. Attendees were able to gain a new understanding about the different groups affected by homelessness in today’s society. This event was a first at UALR Bowen School of Law and was an encouraging success.
If your student organization is producing an activity and you need funding, the ABA Law Student Division may be able to help.
The Division’s Grant Program supports new programs and student-organization projects at ABA-approved law schools that provide professionalism and ethics training, promote diversity in the legal profession, and advance public interest and public service efforts in local communities.
Grant applications are reviewed individually on a rolling basis throughout the year. Funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis only. Approved applications may receive up to $500, depending on the nature of the project and funding availability. Applications must be e-mailed to the Division office at least four weeks before the date of the project, which must be completed by May 1.
For detailed guidelines and to download an application, visit www.abanet.org/lsd/grant.
Ema Garcia is a third-year student at St. Mary’s University School of Law.
