Wake Forest University Student's Research Helps Homeless

Wake Forest University Student's Research Helps Homeless

November 24, 2011 | Keri Brown

Amy Liang, Senior Biology major at Wake Forest University, stayed overnight at some of the shelters in Winston-Salem and recently produced a documentary on the daily struggles that homeless people face. Earlier this year, she received a grant from the university to study how a lack of healthy food available at shelters and food kitchens is impacting how the homeless manage their diabetes.

Liang said that while the total number of homeless in the state of North Carolina decreased by more than five percent from 2009 to 2010, the total number of homeless in Winston-Salem increased by 11 percent during the same time period.

Amy Liang is one of 20 students statewide to receive the Community Impact Student Award and a certificate of appreciation from Governor Beverly Perdue for her work to combat hunger and homelessness. She received the honor a few weeks ago. The award recognizes her volunteer efforts and her ability to inspire others to get involved.