Madison County's Project Homeless Connect is scheduled for Wednesday, December 2nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army church in Alton. This one-day event is designed to provide food, clothing, toiletries, medical exams, HIV/AIDS testing and other services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Additionally, representatives from area social service agencies will be available to assist people in connecting with the resources they need to end their homelessness, such as the Social Security Administration,Illinois Department of Human Services, and many more.
“To make this event successful, the assistance of caring individuals and businesses is needed,” said DeWayne Sanders of Chestnut Health Systems. “Many of our area’s homeless are living with friends or relatives, and will need transportation to the event. We are hoping that a bus or transportation company will step up to help us meet this critical need. After all, if people can’t make it to the event, they will miss out on a chance to receive the help they need.”
Other items needed are canned food, new winter clothing, and hygiene supplies. The participating agencies are hopeful that one of the area’s packaged food producers will donate to the event, in order to provide a warm meal to participants.
One point the group would like the public to consider is that the stereotypical image of persons experiencing homelessness is not an accurate depiction of those seeking assistance. “Today, there are thousands of people in our area who have lost their jobs, through no fault of their own,” said Brian Moeller of the Hoyleton Children’s Home Foundation. “Our nation’s economic downturn has taken its toll on people from all walks of life. This event is designed to serve all of our area’s homeless, including displaced workers and their children.”
There are many volunteer opportunities for compassionate people in the weeks before and the day of the event, including posting event flyers in areas where they can be seen by those in need. “We are hopeful that people will be able to assist with this one-day event,” said Beverly Yang of the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation. “Held in December, it is the perfect opportunity for people to take a break from Christmas shopping and contribute to the less fortunate in their community. Making a donation of food, posting flyers, or volunteering during the event will make this holiday season much brighter for children and families who are experiencing crisis in their lives.”
Project Homeless Connect is sponsored by the Madison County Continuum of Care, an alliance of 200 social service providers who meet the needs of individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. The group provides services ranging from shelter and housing to counseling, substance abuse treatment and psychiatric and medical services.
For more information on Project Homeless Connect, please contact DeWayne Sanders at (618) 877-4420.
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