Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy's Midshipmen Action Group participated in Anne Arundel County's 8th annual Homeless Resource (HR) Day, March 28.

HR Day is a "one-day, one stop" opportunity for individuals and families experiencing homelessness to access benefits, medical care, substance abuse resources and mental health counseling as well as a variety of social services which can ultimately lead to housing and self-sufficiency.

"The Midshipman Action Group has been participating in this county's very innovative HR Day for more than four years in a row," said Miriam Stanicic, community relations director at the U.S. Naval Academy.

The midshipmen are trained by the local department of social services to understand key causes of homelessness and to then act as navigators by ushering those individuals or families in need to the particular service booths most relevant to them.

"It is a joy to have the midshipmen here," said Chris Poulsen, lead coordinator for the HR Day.

"We can tell the mids what we need done, and they go off, form into groups and complete the tasks; no supervision needed. It is amazing to see how they work together to get things done."

With a large number of veterans seeking services nationwide, midshipmen look to make a positive impact, locally, for those who have served our nation when called upon.

"Like all MAG events, this takes us mids out of our comfort zone, and I have noticed that it leaves us with a feeling of satisfaction and joy," said Midshipman 2nd Class Charisse Villareal, midshipmen action group HR Day coordinator.

The midshipmen split into three groups; one group went to Annapolis High School the day before to help set up, while the other two groups broke off into two shifts for the event the next morning.

"We were partnered with one of the guest and were asked to take them around making sure that whatever they needed to get done on the list got done," added Villareal. "This is a really great event and it makes the world a difference for someone who needs it."

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