How small acts of “dignity” can help vulnerable populations

Soundside

One of the best coffee spots in Bellingham isn’t a cafe, at least according to some of the folks in the city’s unhoused population. Instead, it’s a casual coffee cart that pops-up twice a week, at a free lunch program, known as the Maple Alley Inn.

While the coffee is decent, the main attraction is the person running the cart. 85 year-old Ursula DeWit is known for her easy smile and exceptional listening skills. Her kindness has made a significant impact in the lives of people she serves coffee to, including seniors, veterans and families.

We’ll also hear from April Ballard who is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Health at Georgia State University about the importance of treating vulnerable populations of people with dignity.

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Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

GUESTS:

• Dr. April Ballard, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health at the Georgia State University School of Public Health
• Ursula DeWitt, volunteer at the Maple Alley Inn in Bellingham

RELATED LINKS:

• Background info on Maple Alley Inn
• Free Lunch Program
• Striving for dignity in homelessness research and outreach
• Ballard Kindness Cafe

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