General Questions
For organizational questions, speaking requests, or media-related inquiries.
smscoalition@gmail.comJoin SMSC
For prospective student volunteers, members, and trainees. Please use email rather than phone.
Start by EmailPartnership Inquiries
For clinics, physicians, schools, shelters, and community organizations. Partnership phone contact is available when needed.
Request a ConversationPartnership Phone Contact
Joseph Pham for partnership-related calls only.
504-650-3791Why We Avoid Social Media
SMSC does not run social media accounts.
We choose not to turn outreach work involving people experiencing homelessness into public content. That decision reflects our commitment to dignity, privacy, trust, and non-performative service. We also expect volunteers to respect privacy during service itself, which means no pictures should be taken while participating in outreach. For website purposes, we only use photos when consent has been clearly given.
FAQ
Who should email SMSC?
General questions, student interest, speaking requests, and most first-time inquiries should go to smscoalition@gmail.com.
When should someone use the phone number?
The phone line is reserved for partnership-related communication with clinics, schools, physicians, shelters, and community organizations.
Can high school students reach out directly?
Yes. High school students are one of SMSC’s main target populations and are encouraged to email to learn about mentorship, info sessions, and pathway opportunities.
Do students need training before getting involved?
Yes. SMSC emphasizes preparation, boundaries, and role clarity. Students should expect orientation, readiness expectations, and partner-specific guidance before joining higher-responsibility work.
Can parents, teachers, or school leaders reach out?
Yes. SMSC welcomes questions from parents, counselors, teachers, and school administrators who want to understand how students are supported through mentorship, professionalism, and ethical training.
Does SMSC offer one-time volunteering?
Not as the core model. SMSC is designed around continuity, preparation, and long-term commitment rather than drop-in service that lacks structure or follow-through.
How do partnerships usually begin?
Most partnerships begin with an email conversation or phone call to clarify needs, student role boundaries, capacity, and whether the collaboration fits SMSC’s mission and structure.
Does SMSC use social media for updates?
No. SMSC intentionally does not run social media accounts out of respect for the dignity, privacy, and trust of people experiencing homelessness.