Since October 2023, our clinic at St. Vincent de Paul’s Washington Street Shelter has delivered free healthcare to residents on their path from homelessness to stable, sustainable living. The clinic’s goal is to increase the shelter residents’ access to basic healthcare, provide them with quality services and teach them preventive practices.

Students and faculty physicians from Sonoran University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine provide shelter residents with access to medical care for prevention and early identification of health conditions; non-opioid pain relief; and support for nutritional deficiencies.

Recently, the Washington Street Shelter featured Clinic Director, Dr. Jaime Ewald and her students (pictured) in their newsletter. Read more of their kind words below.

“Healing looks different at Washington Street Shelter. Sometimes it begins with being seen. Sometimes it begins with being heard. And sometimes it begins with someone taking the time to treat the root of the pain rather than simply masking it. That is why our partnership with Sonoran University of Health Sciences is so meaningful.

Guided by their mission to shape a healthier future by preparing students to excel as healthcare professionals while enhancing the well-being of patients and communities, Sonoran students join us on site under the leadership of Jaime Ewald, NMD. Together, they make homeopathic medicine accessible to WSS residents who might otherwise go without this level of personalized care.

Dr. Ewald shared, ‘We are focused on healing symptoms, not covering them.’

Many visits address deep and ongoing concerns such as pain, anxiety, stress, depression, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular support. Students also provide nutritional counseling, an area of critical need within our shelter community. Beyond treatment plans, they offer time, compassion, and dignity.

Since October 2023, Sonoran University of Health Sciences has faithfully served alongside us, holding clinics on site three days each week. Their consistency builds trust. Their presence builds hope. Their care restores confidence.

Because of partnerships like this, healing is not an abstract idea at WSS. It is happening in real time. It is happening in exam rooms set up inside shelter walls. It is happening when someone who has felt overlooked is finally treated with intentional care.

To our donors and supporters, this is the living expression of your generosity. Your partnership creates the space where healing can happen. It allows us to welcome clinical teams into our shelter, expand access to care, and offer our residents
more than temporary relief. It offers them stability, strength, and the opportunity to move forward with renewed confidence. As we continue this work together, we remain committed to ensuring that every act of generosity is transformed into measurable impact, meaningful care, and restored dignity for those we serve.”

We are honored to provide quality healthcare to these residents and to work closely with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.