Over 80 service providers join together to help those living in poverty and our homeless population
More than 1,000 men, women and children who are homeless and living in poverty will be welcomed and have an opportunity to connect with over 80 local social service providers at the 11th annual Project Homeless Connect event on Tuesday, January 29 at the Reno Events Center at 400 North Center Street from 8 a.m. to Noon.
Project Homeless Connect and Family Connect is a way to introduce local services to the pre-homeless and homeless population and those living in poverty in our community so that they can get the help they need to turn their lives around.
“At Catholic Charities, our goal is to move individuals and families out of poverty and toward sustainable living,” said Marie Baxter, CEO, Catholic Charities Northern Nevada. “Most people don’t know where to start when it comes to finding social services and programs to help when needed. Project Homeless Connect and Family Connect is a way to introduce local services to the homeless population and those living in poverty in our community so that they can get the help they need to turn their lives around.”
More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the event. The event coordinated by Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, provides individuals and families experiencing homelessness free services such as medical care, job assistance, mental health services, veterans’ services, housing information, and quality of life services (haircuts), flu shots and veterinary services for pets. More than 80 local service providers will attend this year. Nevada Health Centers Mammovan will be on site offering free mammograms, Community Health Alliance will have their dental and WIC vans, Washoe County Health District will be conducting a POD - Point of Dispensing Exercise - offering free flu shots to anyone 6 months of age and older on a first come first serve basis and Sysco foods will be providing a hot full breakfast. Those who need additional care will have follow-up appointments after the event.
Several local businesses/organizations have stepped up to help sponsor Project Homeless Connect, including Renown, Health Plan of Nevada, NV Energy, Reno Events Center, Peppermill, Sysco and Big Reno Coat Drive.
Project Homeless Connect has become an effective, organized effort to coordinate services and best assist people who are dealing with poverty and homelessness. It is a nationwide best practice and is currently held in more than 200 communities around the U.S. each year.
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About Catholic Charities & The St. Vincent’s Programs: Established in 1941, Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada (CCNN) is a Nevada-based, 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, non-profit corporation operating twelve human service programs including: St. Vincent’s Dining Room, St. Vincent’s Food Pantry, St. Vincent's Resource Network, Crossroads, St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop & Super Thrift, Holy Child Early Learning Center, Immigration Assistance Program, Adoption Program, and the Kids to Seniors Korner Program. CCNN is committed to providing help and creating hope in our community. From infants to seniors, CCNN assists approximately 40,000 people per month in northern Nevada.
