JMU physician assistant students are raising money to help the homeless in Harrisonburg

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – James Madison University Physician Assistant students came together to give back to Harrisonburg’s homeless community with a fundraising gala.

For an evening of donations, the JMU Physician Assistant Student Society hosted a fundraising gala to raise money for the homeless in Harrisonburg. Event organizer Jordan Andre said that even though students may not stay in Harrisonburg long-term, they still want to find a way to support the area.

“It is important for us to understand the populations and the people we will one day work with, from all walks of life. Being able to raise money and funds for this population of unhoused people and people in need is a great way for us to not only support them, but also communicate with that population,” Andre said. “It is a priority of the PA program and of the Physician Assistant Student Society to engage people and students who care about people.”

All money raised was then donated to organizations such as Open Doors, Our Community Place and the Suitcase Clinic. Open Doors CEO Nate Riddle said his organization wouldn’t be able to provide the care they do without these types of fundraisers.

“Change comes when people talk to each other and discuss these issues, so seeing student organizations interested in homelessness and housing, healthcare for the homeless like PASS is encouraging as that shows a bright future for homeless services, especially in our region,” Riddle said. “JMU’s PA students don’t just raise money for us. They work together to get into the shelter and provide direct care. There is so much more they do behind the scenes.”

With the current complications facing the new navigation center, Riddle said the fundraiser will provide support in the meantime, before the new center is open and all of the organization’s other activities begin. After the event, Andre said he was proud of what his fellow students were able to do. He looks forward to giving back more in the future.