United Way and partners connect homeless to vital services

Mesa hosts innovative outreach event

View printable PDF of News Release here

PHOENIX (Dec. 6, 2011) - Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW), Mesa United Way and partners will take vital health and human services directly to individuals experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness in the Mesa area at Project Connect on Thursday, Dec. 15.  The outreach event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at City of Grace Church, 655 E. University Drive in Mesa. 

Attendees will work one-on-one with volunteers who will help them connect to more than 30 service providers to get access to identification, employment services, wellness checks, shelter, counseling, food, clothing and haircuts, among many other services. Individuals at risk of losing their housing are encouraged to attend and obtain information about affordable rental services.

“We are proud to work alongside Mesa United Way, the City of Mesa and dozens of partners to assist individuals and familes to connect with the services they need to prevent and end their homelessness,” VSUW Vice President of Community Impact Amy Schwabenlender said. 

This marks the third Project Connect event to be hosted in Mesa and helps tackle one of the most difficult challenges facing homeless individuals -- access to services. VSUW works with a diverse cross section of partners to host this one-day monthly outreach event in cities across the valley to provide immediate access to services in one central location and help address homelessness at a regional level.

“Homelessness does not impact one city or community in isolation,”  Mesa Councilwoman Dina Higgins said.  “We are proud to collaborate with so many organizations and bring quality resources to people facing tough times right here in our community.” 

For more information call 602-631-4800 or sign up to volunteer at www.vsuw.org/projectconnect.

About Valley of the Sun United Way and Mesa United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way and Mesa United Way share a common goal of improving the quality of life for struggling individuals, families and children across our community.  We invite the community to Live United with us by giving, advocating and volunteering. Learn more about Valley of the Sun United Way at www.vsuw.org and Mesa United Way at www.mesaunitedway.org

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