Duluth - A task force of the Mayor’s Task Force to End Homelessness will host Project Homeless Connect (PHC) in Duluth on October 4, 2006 at the DECC. PHC aims to remove barriers and connect people with the services they need to transition out of homelessness. Local businesses, social services, citizens, and faith-based groups have partnered to bring resources to one location where people can come and find the services they need like food and clothing, housing, 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 the event.

“As we sleep inside our houses 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 the Project Homeless Connect Committee. “These people span all age groups, ethnicities and genders. All have different causes of homelessness. Homelessness in our community is a real issue.”

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

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

“Most people want to help, but don’t know what to do,” continued Reed. “Helping with this event is something people can do to truly change peoples’ lives.”

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

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

Project Homeless Connect

c/o Republic Bank

306 W. Superior St.

Duluth, MN 55802

“The business community has really 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 Building Trades, College of St. Scholastica, Hearth Connection and UMD. In-kind sponsors include Out There Advertising, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, the Duluth Transit Authority, the 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 donating time, products and talents.

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

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