Determining Effectiveness of Cultural Competency Training for Volunteers Working in a Clinical Setting with Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

Background: Homelessness has a culture based on environment and many volunteers working in a clinical setting with people experiencing homelessness do not have personal experiences or training that prepares them to deliver culturally competent care. This study aimed to determine if implementation of a cultural competency intervention was effective in increasing volunteers’ comfort level with communicating with people experiencing homelessness and meeting their needs.

Method: Participants completed a survey regarding their comfort level in interacting with people experiencing homelessness and their preparedness in meeting their specific needs before and after receiving an educational presentation on cultural competency with working with people experiencing homelessness. The survey questions comprised Likert scale and open-ended answers.

Results: Of the Likert scale pre and post surveys, statistically significant differences were observed for questions 1 through 4, but not question 5.

Discussion: The results indicated support for the benefit of cultural competency training for student volunteers serving people experiencing homelessness in a clinical setting.