Formerly Homeless, UDC Alumnae Credits the University for Her Fresh Start and Ability to Fight for Others
Formerly Homeless, UDC Alumnae Credits the University for Her Fresh Start and Ability to Fight for Others
Sheila White has been on a long journey to improve her lot in life. After dropping out in ninth grade to raise her first child, she made a commitment to herself and her family that she would eventually complete her education. She found refuge at UDC and completed two associate degrees despite seven years of homelessness.
Her obstacles could have seemed insurmountable to some after being on the street for three years and homeless for seven, but for White, it was a matter of keeping her eyes on her goals. Living in shelters while attending UDC, she completed assignments at night by the light of her phone when the shelter was quiet.
That perseverance earned White two degrees during the global pandemic. However, students missed the opportunity to walk across the stage when University activities were virtual. Last month, the problem was rectified by Miriam’s Kitchen, which fights to end chronic homelessness. White received the Change Award at its gala and was surprised with a cap and gown and the opportunity to experience the regalia of a graduation as UDC’s Chief Academic Officer Dr. Lawrence T. Potter, Jr. went through the formality of presenting her with diplomas before an audience of about 300 people at the Howard Theatre in Washington, DC.
“It was such a shock to have my graduation on the same day that I received my award,” White said. “I dreamed for so long to hear those magical words ‘you may turn your tassel to the left.’ This was my confirmation that I have completed a life-long goal. Truly if you believe it, you will achieve it. I was honored to receive the Change Award from Miriam’s Kitchen. I am passionate about helping others and want more people to join the fight to end homelessness.”
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Lawrence T. Potter, Jr. and Sheila White. Photo credit: Andy DelGiudice
Formerly Homeless, UDC Alumnae Credits the University for Her Fresh Start and Ability to Fight for Others
A strong advocate for the homeless, White enjoys talking to people to ensure they know their rights and understand the power of their voices. She volunteers with Miriam’s Kitchen and the People for Fairness Coalition, which are social service and advocacy organizations working with unhoused and low-income people in D.C. She has also testified before Congress on behalf of the homeless.
“I want them to know that somebody cares about you,” White said. “Even if you are out in the cold with people walking by you, and it feels like nobody does.”
A DC native, White first experienced homelessness in 2013 after a flood in her apartment and began accessing meals and other services at Miriam’s Kitchen. She has been a leader in the fight to end chronic homelessness in the District. She is also a member of the Miriam’s Kitchen Speakers Bureau, Guest Advisory Board, and an alum of the Miriam’s Kitchen Advocacy Fellowship program.
White was recently featured in an award-winning documentary, “Street Reporter,” which has been featured in several film festivals, including the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, which is the nation’s largest Black film festival.
At the age of 49, White enrolled in the External Diploma Program at Ballou STAY High School. Thrilled to be back in school, she completed her requirements in three months.
Her plans to take the next step to a college diploma were derailed by a series of devastating events, including being robbed, a flood in her apartment, and an illness that landed her on the streets.
After being at a shelter for two years, White stumbled upon the 13th and G Street location of Street Sense, which allowed her to return to the classroom and discover a passion for production.
Street Sense offers media, writing and production to empower people in need with the skills, tools and confidence needed to succeed. It also produces a weekly street newspaper sold by homeless vendors on the streets of Washington, D.C.
White has been active in the Street Sense Media community since 2016, where she has learned to find her voice. She has also worked with DCTV, which is dedicated to local programming focused on empowering residents to tell their own stories.
Those experiences led her to UDC after realizing her passion for media work. Since 2017, Sheila has been working toward a degree in photojournalism at the University of the District of Columbia. She recalls the day she was accepted to UDC as one of the best days of her life.
Last spring, White secured housing and moved into an apartment of her own, which has been life-changing, and she plans to continue to work on another degree at UDC on the baccalaureate level.
