Meeting the health needs of the homeless requires an entirely different perspective on providing care. As nursing leaders, our focus should be directed at educating our healthcare system to implement hygiene practices for the homeless. Our goal as nurses is to provide care to all and not cause harm to the community. Public health is about defending humanity and preventing potential harm to our community. Therefore, healthcare providers need to be aware of these needs and learn how to facilitate and improve care for the homeless. The literature mentioned contains various studies that outline the characteristics of the homeless population, their experiences within the healthcare system, and the role of advanced practice nurses in our community. Mullin and Ambrosia (2005) stated that lack of shelter and adequate hygiene, combined with inadequate nutrition, predisposes them to disease and infection. Homeless people are at greater risk of infectious and chronic diseases, poor mental health and substance abuse, as well as being victims of violence, than the general population. Additionally, the mortality rate for those experiencing chronic homelessness is four to nine times higher than that of the general population. In a literature review, Brouqui and Raoult (2006) stated that life expectancy for homeless people was approximately 45 years. Advanced nursing