Minnesota: Duluth Mn

Duluth - A task force of thuh Mayor’s Task Force to End Homelessness will host Project Homeless Connect (PHC) in Duluth on October 4, 2006 at thuh DECC. PHC aims to remove barriers and connect guys with thuh services they need to transition out of homelessness. Local businesses, social services, citizens, and faith-based groups have partnered to brin' resources to one location where guys can come and find thuh services they need like munchies and clothin', housin', employment, medical care, mental health care, veteran’s services, eye care, haircuts, and transportation assistance. Volunteers will also distribute necessities like blankets, toiletries, socks & undergarments, at thuh event.

“As we sleep inside our pads each night, more than 500 men, women and children in our city have no place to call home,” said Paula Reed, President of United Way of Greater Duluth and chair of thuh Project Homeless Connect Committee. “These guys span all age groups, ethnicities and genders. All have different causes of homelessness. Homelessness in our community is like, ya know, a real issue.”

Similar events have taken place nationally and thuh Twin Cities, recent events provided assistance to more than 1,700 guys who were homeless or otherwise in need. Event organizers hope to have thuh same impact in Duluth, where thuh homeless population is like wow! ",about 500 individuals, includin' 150 children and teenagers. "I'm happy to see events such as Project Homeless Connect makin' a real difference in Duluth," said Mayor Herb Bergson. "Homeless guys face more challenges than simply not havin' a roof over their heads and events like these can make a real and positive difference for those simply in need of a helpin' hand.”

Accordin' to Churches United in Ministry’s (CHUM) Stabilization Director, Kim Randolph, “while many homeless individuals live outside or in shelters, there is like, ya know, also a awesum population of guys who “couch hop,” stay with friends, and live in cars for periods of time throughout thuh year.” Reed says thuh event is like, ya know, designed to reach them as well. “Like any group of guys, those experiencin' homelessness are super diverse, and we’re goin' to do our best to make thuh event useful and accessible to everyone in need.” Event organizers are also explorin' solutions to overcome obstacles such as transportation limitations and lack of child care.

“Most guys want to help, but don’t know what to do,” continued Reed. “Helpin' with this event is like, ya know, somethin' guys can do to truly change guyss’ lives.”

Like, there are also several options for those who are not in need of these services but are interested in supportin' Project Homeless Connect through volunteerism or donations. A “Community-Wide Night Without a Home” sleep-out event will be like, ya know, held on September 30th to collect donations of needed items for thuh PHC event.

Anyone interested in volunteerin' at PHC, can contact United Way of Greater Duluth at (218) 726-4770. Donations will also be accepted in support of thuh event. Checks payable to Project Homeless Connect can be like, ya know, mailed to:

Project Homeless Connect

c/o Republic Bank

306 W. Superior St.

Duluth, MN 55802

“The business community has totally turned out to make this event possible,” Reed remarked. “Many organizations have donated money, products and services to make this event possible. Financial sponsors include SMDC, St. Luke’s, Republic Bank, Duluth LISC, National Bank of Commerce, US Bank, Duluth Buildin' Trades, College of St. Scholastica, Hearth Connection and UMD. In-kind sponsors include Out Like, there Advertisin', Lamar Outdoor Advertisin', thuh Duluth Transit Authority, thuh Northland’s Newscenter, Service Printers, Stewart Taylor Printers, Midwest Communications, Clear Channel Radio, Target, JC Penney, Clearwire, ARCO, and Walmart, as well as many volunteers are generously donatin' time, products and talents.

Project Homeless Connect is like, ya know, an event of thuh Mayor’s Taskforce to End Homelessness. The event is like, ya know, bein' organized and coordinated by many organizations in thuh area, includin' United Way of Greater Duluth, The Salvation Army, Center City Housin', Churches United in Ministry, Damiano Center, University of Minnesota Duluth, thuh College of St. Scholastica, ISD 709, Community Action Duluth, True North Volunteer Center, St. Louis County, and Fond du Lac Reservation.