What are the barriers to becoming self-sufficient?
Most of us have an education, a job, a home, and enough money to provide their families with groceries and other necessities.
But for some here in our own community, it's not that simple. They need a hand up to help them toward self-efficiency.
That's the idea of Jefferson City's Project Homeless Connect, a one-day event based on a national service model to reduce as many barriers as possible to help the homeless or near homeless become self-sufficient.
It will take place one week from today, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 16.
As we recently reported, the annual event connects Jefferson City's homeless residents with shelter or housing, counseling, food and clothing donations, identification cards, medical checkups and health screenings.
Because of social distancing concerns and to help prevent spread of COVID-19, it has downsized and is limited to one location: the Salvation Army Center of Hope, 925 Jefferson St.
Attendees are asked to be patient, as the number of people who can be served at one time will be limited.
To schedule medical, dental or vision appointments as part of the project, call the Community Health Center of Central Missouri at 632-2777 before Oct. 15. Those health visits will occur Oct. 16 through Nov. 30 at the center. Be certain to tell the operator you are with Project Homeless Connect.
The event includes immunizations, vouchers for Missouri birth certificates and free hot lunches at The Salvation Army. Attendees are to receive a backpack containing health and personal supplies, according to information on the Project Homeless Connect Jefferson City Facebook page.
All in attendance are required to wear masks, and a trolley will be available to take participants to medical appointments.
Between last year's tornado and flooding and this year's pandemic, more people in our community are in need.
If you know someone who could benefit from this event, we urge you to reach out to them.
News Tribune