Join the Harvard Longwood team for the Winter Walk

Learn more about the HMS Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership and join their team at the Winter Walk.

Harvard Longwood team posing at the Winter Walk

The HMS Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership (DICP)’s mission is to build pathways in medicine and biomedical research, foster inclusive excellence, and promote a sense of belonging across healthcare, academia, and communities. Under the leadership of Joan Reede, MD, Dean of Diversity and Community Partnership, DICP supports the development of individuals and institutions to drive innovation, promote community engagement, and work toward achieving health equity. We have programs across the educational and career continuum serving K-12 students, undergraduates, graduates, medical school students, post-docs, and faculty. DICP programs and initiatives are designed to provide guidance, networking, and leadership development to build a future where science and medical fields are fully inclusive, and health inequities are eliminated.

DICP is coordinating a team for the Winter Walk, a 2-mile walk to raise awareness and funds towards ending homelessness. The walk begins on Sunday, Feb. 9th, 9 a.m. ET at the Boston Common. We talked with Michelle Keenan, DICP director of community engagement and education, to answer questions about DICP, its involvement in the Winter Walk, and what walkers can expect. 

How many years has DICP coordinated a team for the Winter Walk and why is it a cause that’s so important?

Michelle Keenan's Headshot
Michelle Keenan, Director of Community Engagement and Education at DICP

DICP has coordinated a Harvard Longwood team (HMS, HSDM, and HSPH) for the Winter Walk for the past two years. Housing stability is a key social determinant of health, and we have seen a significant national increase in homelessness. In Massachusetts in 2024, there was a 53% increase in the homeless population from the prior year. This was the third-largest increase among all states in 2024. Three-quarters of those experiencing homelessness in our State were families with children. That is shocking, isn’t it? Housing insecurity is an issue that directly impacts the HMS community as it impacts the mental and physical health of patients and compromises their access to care. 

Addressing homelessness and housing security requires a collective effort and the Winter Walk is an excellent way to get involved, build understanding and support the work of the committed non-profit organizations working with community members who are experiencing homelessness. We can advance our HMS mission of reducing health inequities by taking steps to end homelessness. Boston is one of several cities that will hold a Winter Walk on February 9th, 2025. It's inspiring to see so many committed to ending homelessness. You should join and be part of this effort!

What can people expect if they join the team?

Whether you bring friends, family, pets, or go solo, you will enjoy a refreshing morning 2-mile walk with others who share your commitment to ending homelessness. Joining the Harvard Longwood team for the Winter Walk requires registration, and the Walk organizers encourage participants to contribute a registration fee, and additional fundraising is optional. If the fee is a barrier, there are still ways to participate. If you can help raise funds for our team, your contributions will directly support the vital work of community partners addressing homelessness. In my experience, people are often willing to donate, as this issue affects so many.

I know it’s an ask for people to come out on a weekend morning, but I can assure you, you will not regret it. (Plus, there are often giveaways and breakfast snacks from sponsors, which is a nice bonus!)

We have had a small but mighty team in the past two years and would love to see it grow!

Register to join the team

Read this flyer to learn how to register for the Winter Walk. 

Get involved in other ways with DICP

There are many ways to get involved.

  • Volunteer: Participate in youth programs like read-aloud events, STEM career exposure, and skills-building or inspire future healthcare professionals by sharing your journey.
  • Events: Join Better Together Dialogues, affinity group gatherings, and community receptions throughout the year.
  • Awards: Nominate yourself or those in your network for one of DICP’s six awards celebrating excellence, community service, and impact. 

Stay informed by visiting the DICP’s website and signing up for our monthly newsletter.