A Juliana mini pig named Synergy is providing companionship to people experiencing homelessness at Washington Union Station in Washington, D.C.
The animal assists the H3 Project outreach team by reducing trauma and building trust with individuals who may be hesitant to engage with social services. This approach is particularly focused on those affected by substance use and human trafficking.
Synergy is seven months old [1]. The pig weighs between five [2] and 5.2 pounds [1]. By acting as a calming presence, the animal helps outreach workers initiate conversations and establish rapport with people in crisis.
The H3 Project utilizes this method as part of a broader crisis-intervention strategy. The organization has reported achieving 93 housing placements [3] and 217 overdose reversals [3].
Outreach at Union Station involves navigating a high-traffic environment where individuals often face extreme instability. The presence of a therapy animal can lower defenses and create a safe space for individuals to accept help.
Synergy works alongside the H3 Project team to bridge the gap between the street and supportive services. The animal's role is to offer emotional support while staff coordinate long-term solutions for the people they encounter.
“Synergy is providing companionship to people experiencing homelessness at Washington Union Station.”
The use of therapy animals in urban outreach represents a shift toward trauma-informed care in homelessness services. By utilizing a non-threatening catalyst like a mini pig, agencies can bypass the initial fear or distrust that often prevents high-risk individuals from accessing life-saving interventions and permanent housing.
