Volunteer Opportunity Spreads Holiday Hope to End Homelessness
Families, individuals and companies can embrace the holiday spirit and help neighbors ring in a new year filled with hope and new beginnings, as volunteers at a Tempe December event aimed at ending homelessness. As we look toward 2013, Valley of the Sun United Way continues on our mission to end homelessness, and we are looking for volunteers for our Thursday, Dec. 13, Project Connect event to be held at Sun Valley Community Church.
At Project Connect, volunteers interact directly with individuals and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, helping them to establish more security for themselves and their families. Volunteers act as the guides to connect individuals seeking help with key resources, from IDs to clothes and haircuts, to wellness checks and employment services.
“As I drive past warm homes decorated for this holiday season, it puts into perspective how meaningful it is for us to directly impact lives at a Project Connect event,” said Amy Schwabenlender, Vice President of Community Impact for Valley of the Sun United Way. “Together we can contribute to the joy of hard-working individuals and families, as we take another step toward ending homelessness for good.”
How: To sign up, visit www.vsuw.org/projectconnect or contact us at volunteer@vsuw.org, (602) 631-4815.
When: Thursday, December 13
Volunteer Time: Morning and afternoon shifts between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Open to the Public: 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Best Media Interview Times: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Sun Valley Community Church 6101 S. River Rd. Tempe.
Why: Homelessness impacts our entire community, with thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County on any given day, and many at risk after experiencing a job loss, medical cost or foreclosure. Many people who experience or are at risk of homelessness are veterans or families with children. Project Connect is a big part of a regional solution to end homelessness. It is a national model which changes individual lives and the community as a whole.
About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way works to ensure children and youth succeed, end hunger and homelessness and increase the financial stability of individuals and families in Maricopa County. Through programs such as Project Connect and the development of Permanent Supportive Housing partnerships, United Way is committed to end chronic homelessness in our community. For more information, visit www.vsuw.org.
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