When We Listen, We Learn

Who We Are

We are Hybrid NAU OTD students committed to better understanding the experiences of individuals affected by homelessness and substance use.

Behind statistics are real human stories of survival, coping, and strength. Too often, people ask “Why don’t they just stop?” without ever understanding the why. Our research project seeks to listen, understand, and change that conversation. 

What We're Doing & Why It Matters

This is a qualitative research study focused on the lived experiences of adults with a history of homelessness. Through in-depth interviews, we aim to understand not just substance use itself, but the meaning behind it.

For many, substance use is a response to trauma, chronic stress, fractured relationships, and the instability of life without a home. By listening directly to these experiences, we hope to replace assumptions with understanding.

The Urgent Problem & Our Vision for Change

Support systems often fall short because they are not grounded in lived experience. Our goal is to bridge this gap. By gathering these essential stories, we will create a vital resource to train occupational therapists and other frontline providers. We aim to shift care from judgment to empathy, from generic plans to responsive strategies that truly meet people where they are. This knowledge will also become a powerful tool for future advocacy, ensuring policies addressing homelessness and substance use are informed by dignity and human experience, not just stigma.

Your Impact

You can be part of this transformative shift. Your donation can support:

• Conference registration fees for our three researchers to attend the ArizOTA Conference. 
• Research Analysis Tools, such as a subscription to a professional qualitative coding software for the 8-9 month duration of our analysis phase.
• Travel funds for gas, meals, and lodging so we can reach participants where they are in their communities, as well as travel expenses for the ArizOTA Conference.
• General research costs, including participant materials, transcription support, and secure data handling.
• Professional materials for when we disseminate our research through conference presentations and community sharing.
• Gratitude gifts for our participants and community partners.

Our Sincere Thanks

On behalf of our Hybrid NAU OTD student research team, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your support of our project. Your generosity reflects a belief in empathy, dignity, and the power of listening. 

Your support helps ensure that real human experiences are centered in care and education. Thank you for believing in our vision!

With appreciation,
Amanda Hutt & Miguel Heredia