Middlesex United Way and several local organizations are coming together on Day of Caring 2009 to offer free basic services and health screenings to people who are homeless or may be at-risk of homelessness. Project Homeless Connect will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 in Chapman Hall at Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Road.
Free transportation to Project Homeless Connect will be provided to Middlesex Community College from locations in Middletown Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, Essex, Deep River, Middlefield and Cromwell. For a list of pick-up and drop-off locations, visit www.middlesexunitedway.org or call (860) 346-8695.
Project Homeless Connect, a national initiative that began in San Francisco and has been implemented in more than 200 cities throughout the world, is a one-day event that provides immediate access to information and services for people who are homeless or are at risk for becoming homeless. Free services will include haircuts, dental checkups, vision screenings, podiatry screenings chiropractic services and chair massages. Information will be available on housing, energy assistance, employment, education, social services, legal services and clothing vouchers. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and the first 200 people will receive a backpack with free gifts.
The goals of Project Homeless Connect are to improve access to services and housing for people who are homeless and to engage and increase the community's involvement in collaboratively finding solutions to homelessness.
The event is being held on Middlesex United Way’s annual Day of Caring, a volunteer event that provides local employees with the opportunity to engage in day-long community service projects. Middlesex United Way held its first Day of Caring in 1995 when 34 employees in Middletown volunteered at five non-profit organizations. Since that time, Day of Caring has engaged nearly 3,500 volunteers from local companies and organizations at 330 projects in towns and communities throughout the county.
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