The 5th annual Project Homeless Connect, a Hillsdale County event formed to address the growing problem of homelessness in the area, will be hosted by Hillsdale Free Methodist Church from 1-4 p.m. on Jan. 30.
The event, sponsored by the Hillsdale County Housing Continuum of Care, will offer the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless a place to build connections and receive care from businesses and agencies in the Hillsdale area. Services vary widely, from a hot meal prepared by SAGA Inc. to assistance available to those affected by domestic violence.
Amber Yoder, the communications officer for Hillsdale County Community Foundations, said that the event relies heavily on donations from businesses and organizations of Hillsdale County and also the work of volunteers. Because businesses collaborate at this event, they are able to accomplish more in that day than they normally would be able to accomplish in several weeks, Yoder said.
Maxine Vanlerberg, the Hillsdale County director of the Community Action Agency, said Project Homeless Connect is an important opportunity for those who are in need.
“This is an opportunity for people who are either homeless or at risk of being homeless to come in and find out what kind of services are available in Hillsdale County,” Vanlerberg said. “[Those in need] get connected; maybe veterans with department of human services or with community action agencies. We also are offering a hot meal, personal care kits and information about the local food pantries.”
Project Homeless Connect does not only provide informational aid, but also basic services that the homeless cannot afford. Vanlerberg said that the free haircuts available are very popular.
“Many of our low-income, homeless, or doubled-up [attendees] don’t have the money to get haircuts. We have people say the last time they had a haircut was last year when they were there,” she said.
The event has expanded over the past five years. The first two years, Trinity Lutheran Church hosted the event, but it outgrew the space and Hillsdale Free Methodist has hosted since. Yoder expects over 250 people to attend Project Homeless Connect and receive services from the 30 businesses and organizations who donate their services.
eshelton@hillsdale.edu
