12/14/2006
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690
Anne Coffey, [317] 327-6709 |
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Mayor, community kick-off plans for second Indy Homeless Connect
Follow-up to widely successful inaugural event seeks to serve more clients, engage more volunteers and involve more private sector partners in battle against homelessness
INDIANAPOLIS – Flanked by homelessness service providers and private sector partners, Mayor Bart Peterson today announced plans to relaunch Indy Homeless Connect, a follow-up to last year’s tremendously successful event that connected hundreds of homeless residents with a myriad of supportive services and engaged citizens and businesses in the battle to end homelessness.
Nearly one year ago to the day, Indy Homeless Connect brought together approximately 500 volunteers to serve nearly 900 homeless clients at the Indiana Convention Center. The homeless clients received dozens of core services, including medical care, food, mental health counseling, vision care, legal advice and housing assistance – all located under one roof. Indy Homeless Connect also provided some non-essential “extra care” services, like free phone calls, massage, a book give-away and haircuts.
The second Indy Homeless Connect is scheduled for February 12, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center, and will feature many of the same services as last year.
“Being a part of Indy Homeless Connect was one of the most moving experiences I have had as mayor, and I think the hundreds of volunteers that served that day were equally as touched,” Mayor Peterson said. “This event is not only about connecting homeless clients with services, but also connecting the community at-large to the issue of homelessness.”
Indy Homeless Connect is an outgrowth of the Blueprint to End Homelessness, the city’s ambitious ten-year plan to prevent and end homelessness in Indianapolis.
“Ending homelessness is a daunting task for Indianapolis and communities across the country, but Indy Homeless Connect shows that each and every one of us can play a role in turning lives around, one person at a time,” Peterson added.
Connect success story.
As evidence of this, the Mayor was joined today by former Indy Homeless Connect client, Roosevelt Henton, Jr. Roosevelt was homeless and staying at the Wheeler Mission one year ago when he ventured to the Convention Center for Indy Homeless Connect. At the event, he sought help from the Homeless Initiative Program (HIP) and got enrolled in a housing program.
He eventually moved into an available housing unit in May, and has been working with a case manager at HIP ever since and has successfully maintained his housing status. At least ten other people found housing through the services provided at the first Indy Homeless Connect.
Private sector stepping up.
Last year, dozens of businesses and organizations made an estimated $75,000 in monetary and in-kind donations for Indy Homeless Connect. This year, private sector partners have already stepped up to the tune of $50,000, including a $25,000 donation from Cindy Simon Skjodt’s Samarian Foundation. Other sponsors for this year’s event include Duke Energy’s Midwest Foundation, Clarian Health, the Center Township Trustee, Debra Simon, and the Melvin Simon Foundation.
Event organizers are still seeking additional donations and sponsors to help expand on the success of the first Indy Homeless Connect.
“The private sector backing to kick off this second Indy Homeless Connect has been tremendous, but we are still seeking assistance from any potential partners who want to support this life and community-changing event,” said Bill Moreau, Chair of the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP). “Our goal is to take Indy Homeless Connect to the next level, serving more clients and getting more residents and businesses engaged in this effort.”
Volunteers, donations needed
Residents, businesses, service providers or charitable organizations interested in volunteering or making donations to Indy Homeless Connect, should visit www.indyhomelessconnect.com, or call 317-630-0853 ext. 209.
The Indy Homeless Connect initiative is being led by CHIP in collaboration with a number of local service providers and the City of Indianapolis.
Private sector partners include: The Homeless Initiative Project; Midtown Community Mental Health Center; Horizon House; Indiana Coalition on Housing and Homeless Issues; Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic; IU Medical Group; Department of Metropolitan Development; Office of the Mayor; Bethlehem House; Wheeler Mission; Indianapolis Private Industry Council; Maribeth Smith and Associates; Gennesaret Free Clinic; the Adult and Children Center; the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome; and the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association.
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