Project Homeless Connect, the one-stop shop for people experiencing homelessness, is returning to the Minneapolis Convention Center on Monday, March 29. Open Your Heart is proud to support this initiative that removes many obstacles faced by homeless people trying to access the services created to help them. At the last Project Homeless Connect event in December 2009, over 1600 people came to receive services from more than 400 providers in nearly every field imaginable, including housing and employment assistance, medical and dental care, legal services, and even haircuts.
The key to linking so many guests with service providers is the hundreds of volunteers who serve as guides throughout the day, helping guests figure out the programs they are eligible for and navigating them through the expansive layout covering the entire second floor of the convention center. The guides and guests will complete a quick intake to identify service priorities for the day and will then explore the site, visiting service providers and eating a sit-down lunch.
Project Homeless Connect is still in need of more volunteer guides to provide all guests with that meaningful one-to-one partnership. A background in social services is not required, just the ability to be on your feet and the willingness to help. This is an incredible opportunity to get a closer look at homelessness in Minnesota and the people it affects as well as the broad network of services available to them. In just one day, you can help a person connect with resources that would normally take them weeks, even months, to access on their own—and some resources they never knew existed.
Please visit Project Homeless Connect’s website to find more information and to register to volunteer. Volunteers can register up until the day of the event, but first-time volunteers must attend one of the two remaining training sessions on March 22 and 23—see the website for training times and locations. We hope you will join us for what promises to be an unforgettable experience!
