United Ways Partner to End Homelessness
Volunteers Sought for April 11 Project Connect Event
Valley of the Sun United Way and Mesa United Way are partnering for a special Project Connect event April 11 at Broadway Christian Church in the City of Mesa.
Volunteers are needed to connect guests who are working to prevent or overcome homelessness to more than 30 vital human services providers who will be on site. Valley of the Sun United Way hosts Project Connect events throughout the Valley and this marks its fifth stop in Mesa. Project Connect offers a one-stop-shop of vital services to help individuals and families who may be experiencing homelessness for the first time or those that have been living on the street for years and provides support to overcome it and become independent again. 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, among many other services.
“This event demonstrates the importance of partnerships and collaboration to end and prevent homelessness – a goal we know at Valley of the Sun United Way is reachable when we all work together,” said Amy Schwabenlender, Vice President of Community Impact for Valley of the Sun United Way. “Volunteers will have a direct impact on individuals, and their entire community, by contributing to a strong foundation for us all.”
How: To sign up, visit www.vsuw.org/projectconnect or contact us at volunteer@vsuw.org, (602) 631-4800.
When: Thursday, April 11
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: Broadway Christian Church, 7335 E. Broadway Road, Mesa
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 crisis 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.
Contact:
Beth Lucas, Valley of the Sun United Way, 602-631-4871 office/602-573-3420 mobile or blucas@vsuw.org
Kevin Christopher, City of Mesa, (480) 644-4699 or kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov
