Project Homeless Connect 2009

Project Homeless Connect matches clients with volunteers in a one-of-a-kind partnership to assist chronically homeless adults connect to as many on-site services as possible in one day.

Project Homeless Connect matches clients with volunteers in a one-of-a-kind partnership to assist chronically homeless adults connect to as many on-site services as possible in one day. To do this more than 40 service providers move their operations to a single location for a day, providing dedicated healthcare, dental and vision screenings, mental health interviews, case management, social security applications, identification services, employment resources (including for veterans), shelter and housing assessments, and much more. Volunteers are trained to assist clients navigate the array of services based upon priorities established by the client. The goal for the event, and its high level of volunteer involvement, is to eliminate some of the barriers people experience as they seek to access the very services that might help them start the return journey to stable lives.

We were pleased to serve 741 individuals experiencing and at risk of homelessness on November 19th and wanted to let you know how that number broke down into services.

With your help, 246 local neighbors were able to connect to dental services, which include 172 screenings conducted by students from VCU’s School of Dentistry and The Daily Planet.

Nearly 480 clients visited this year’s expanded Employment section to speak with representatives from Virginia Employment Commission’s Workforce Center and to participate in one-on-one counseling and workshops from Goodwill and SnagAJob.com.

Over 50 clients also accessed free legal advice from Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, The Legal Aid Justice Center and the Public Defender’s Office.

The Haircut section was once again very popular this year, seeing 161 clients throughout the day.

We invite your input. If you have stories, thoughts or reflections - please contact us (and let us know if we can share your story).

See Pictures from Project Homeless Connect 2009 on our event page

Coverage from this year's Project Homeless Connect