A Coastal Carolina University Swain Scholars research project on area homelessness will be the topic of the September Inspiring Women's Luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 7, at noon in the Singleton Building Ballroom. The project, titled "Bridging the Gap Between Perceptions and Reality: Perceptions of Homelessness in a Southeastern Coastal Community," was presented at the Council on Undergraduate Research's 21st annual Posters on the Hill event in April in Washington, D.C. The luncheon is sponsored by Women in Philanthropy and Leadership at CCU and supported by Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP.

Posters on the Hill is a competitive event that gives students the opportunity to showcase their research to congressional members, meet with their representatives, and learn about advocacy for undergraduate research.

The project and associated website HomelessAre.com, a collaborative effort between the Swain Scholars and CCU's Athenaeum Press, are an attempt to give a place, a face and a name to 492 and counting homeless individuals in Myrtle Beach, and the caregivers, law enforcement and policymakers who balance the homeless' needs with those of a tourist town. The students found that there is a disconnect in the perceptions versus reality regarding the cause of homelessness. For example, many community members believe drug abuse is the leading cause of homelessness; however, national statistics indicate job loss is the leading cause.

Swain Scholars are students who conduct community health outreach and research projects designed to improve the health of Horry County residents. The Athenaeum Press is the University's student-driven publishing lab.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $10 for WIPL members and $15 for nonmembers. To register or for more information, email wipl-adm@coastal.edu or call 843-349-5033.

WIPL was founded in 2007 under the leadership of CCU first lady Terri DeCenzo. It is committed to inspiring, connecting and empowering women to strengthen their individual and collective voices in leadership at CCU and in the community, state, region and beyond. Members include faculty, staff and community leaders who are committed to creating and supporting opportunities for women in all areas of leadership and across all disciplines, while continuing to invest in scholarships for CCU students. Since its inception, WIPL has awarded 184 students more than $200,000 in financial support through a fully endowed scholarship and annual awards.