Depaul USA (Depaul House & Old First House)
Title: Strengthening Community Health and Resource Navigation for Residents Experiencing Homelessness and Recovery
Student Interns:
Ishita Patel, MA
Drexel University College of Medicine
Esse Orkeh, MS
Drexel University College of Medicine
Academic Preceptor:
Annette B. Gadegbeku, MD
Drexel University College of Medicine
Community Preceptor:
Suzannah Hartzell
Depaul USA
Community Site:
Depaul USA operates as a supportive housing program that provides stable housing, case management, and recovery-focused services for all individuals, including those experiencing homelessness. Depaul House is a transitional recovery residence that supports men working toward employment and long-term stability. Old First House provides permanent supportive housing for individuals with histories of chronic homelessness and disability. Both sites emphasize community, dignity, and individualized support to promote long-term independence.
Team’s Experience:
The Bridging the Gaps interns provided health education, resources, and meaningful community engagement for residents within the Depaul community. They developed and presented educational sessions on cardiovascular health, oral health, smoking cessation, and nutrition, and created practical resources, including a resident cookbook, résumé guide, personalized health information materials, and a community resource guide. Beyond health education, they fostered community through activities such as community gardening, Smoothie Fridays, walks to Race Street Pier, visits to Awbury Arboretum, and trips to the Chinese Lantern Festival. As their final project, the interns developed a comprehensive discharge resource guide to support residents transitioning into off-site housing by connecting them with healthcare, employment, transportation, food, and other essential community resources.
Reflections
This summer taught me that recovery is not a destination; it is the result of countless small acts of compassion, trust, and community. Working alongside individuals recovering from homelessness, substance use disorders, mental illness, incarceration, and financial hardship reminded me that every person’s path is shaped by experiences I may never fully understand. The most meaningful lesson was not learning about these challenges, but learning to meet people where they are, to listen before speaking, to recognize strengths before deficits, and to appreciate the resilience behind every story. Everyday moments, such as watching residents rebuild their lives, seeing community partners work together, and witnessing the unwavering dedication of case managers and staff, reinforced my understanding that medicine extends far beyond clinical care. As a future physician, I hope to carry forward the understanding that healing is built not only through diagnoses and treatments, but through humility, dignity, authentic relationships, and a willingness to walk beside patients through uncertainty, one step at a time.
Ishita Patel
This summer has been an amazing experience for me. Thanks to Bridging the Gaps and Depaul House, I was able to explore new parts of the city and get insight into a community I seek to serve in the future. I learned about how people heartbreakingly fall into the cycle of addiction, so many promising men and women having their lives derailed by addiction’s cruel grip. Hearing their stories has given me so much perspective on the different paths life can take you. I know that it is never too late to turn a life around, as many residents are in their 50s and 60s are still determined to get their lives back on track, reconnect with family, and free themselves from this perpetual cycle. I have also seen the care, compassion, and dedication the staff at these sites puts into their work, whether it’s staying late to comfort residents or providing them with the necessary resources they need to improve their situation. It is the determination, compassion, and care the staff puts into the residents that allows them to have the strength to keep pushing forward. I seek to emulate the work the amazing staff does at Depaul and be the driving, supportive force my patients need to keep moving forward.
Esse Orkeh
