Project Homeless Connect brings agencies, volunteers to people who need them

Helping hands

Megan Durham, left, helps Stacie Gleason, at right, looks for clothing for her nieces and nephew at First United Methodist Church (FUMC). In the middle is Trinity Mitts, 6, who was pretty excited to get a new-to-her coat. Durham works in Columbia but took off a few hours to volunteer her time to help out where needed. FUMC was one of three downtown Jefferson City churches to host volunteers and guests at Monday's second Project Homeless Connect, which served as an opportunity for participants to find out information ranged from how to acquire in-state birth certificates to voter registration to employment and housing assistance. The event was also an opportunity to include Lincoln University nursing school students, Cole County Health Department and Community Health medical and dental to serve those who may not otherwise seek out any kind of medical help. In addition to those services, volunteer stylists from Hair Connections cut and styled hair and those in need of a shower, could take a hot shower and get a change of clean clothes.
Megan Durham, left, helps Stacie Gleason, at right, looks for clothing for her nieces and nephew at First United Methodist Church (FUMC). In the middle is Trinity Mitts, 6, who was pretty excited to get a new-to-her coat. Durham works in Columbia but took off a few hours to volunteer her time to help out where needed. FUMC was one of three downtown Jefferson City churches to host volunteers and guests at Monday's second Project Homeless Connect, which served as an opportunity for participants to find out information ranged from how to acquire in-state birth certificates to voter registration to employment and housing assistance. The event was also an opportunity to include Lincoln University nursing school students, Cole County Health Department and Community Health medical and dental to serve those who may not otherwise seek out any kind of medical help. In addition to those services, volunteer stylists from Hair Connections cut and styled hair and those in need of a shower, could take a hot shower and get a change of clean clothes.

A year ago when Trina James went to the first Project Homeless Connect in Jefferson City, she had no idea of the wealth of agencies available to assist her.

She was living in her aunt's basement after leaving an abusive marriage. She needed help, and she found it at the event.

"They helped me find out about places and people who could help me, with everything," she said Monday at the second Project Homeless Connect.

Sarah Nichols, co-chair of the event, said 45 agencies and local groups came together to host the event through the use of private donations.

"This is not just a great time to reach out to this population, it is a great time for the community to come together as one and offer their support, all in one location," Nichols said. "It really does bring people of all walks of life together on a more common ground to interact with one another.

"We really do have volunteers across the gamut of our community showcased in our volunteers," she said.

Guests were teamed with some of the 150 volunteers from sponsor organizations and agencies, local churches and individuals. Volunteers then walked guests through the services offered. Services ranged from free haircuts, medical screenings, information on educational programs, state and local services and more.

Volunteers like Megan Durham, a Jefferson City resident, helped pass out clothing. Durham said she enjoyed being able to interact with members of her community.

"Really doing this allows me to see what my community has to offer on so many levels," she said. "I work in Columbia, and by working at this event, I feel closer to my community."

Nichols said last year's event helped 185 local people considered homeless. After last year's event a report was written and presented through Project Homeless Connection and the Jefferson City Homelessness Task Force, which noted that on Jan. 27, 2016, there were 17 people without shelter in Jefferson City and 50 in local shelters. 

"It is, however, hard to tell how many people were unsheltered and possibly unaccounted for, or those citizens we refer to as being in the doubled-up population," she said.

The "doubled-up" population is described as people or families who reside with other people or families for any period of time.

Monday's event, Nichols said, was aimed at adults or families, with the hope that the services will trickle down to the children.

"There are numerous events aimed at helping the children of the parents and families," she said. "We know that the positive outreach from this event will also reach them."

James, who is expecting her first child in January, said her fiancée is the only one able to work. She hoped her visit today would help her find more affordable housing and allow her to see what see what could be available, should she need it, for her child.

"Last year they really helped me a lot with things I didn't know I needed or could get help with. I know I will need a few things when my daughter gets here," she said. "And so far, I have already found out some information."

Guests at the event were offered transportation to the local host churches where the events were held. First United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church and First Christian Church, all located in the 300 block of East Capitol Avenue, opened their doors to host the event. Event organizers expected to have more than 200 citizens show up to seek services.

To help spread the word to the homeless community, Nichols said signs were posted at local shelters, which included The Salvation Army, Rape and Abuse Crisis Service (RACS), Dupont Center and the Healing House. 

Flyers were also distributed by local community volunteers and others who regularly interact with people in need of permanent housing.

"We want to help bridge the gap between any services someone might need and what is offered," Nichols said, noting that is the mission for the event and the Jefferson City Homelessness Task Force.

For more information about the task force, which will host its next meeting in November, contact Nichols at [email protected]. For more information about Project Homeless Connect, email [email protected].