Volunteers needed for United Way homeless outreach effort            

View printable PDF of Media Advisory here

WHAT:     
On Friday, Sept. 23, Valley of the Sun United Way will host its monthly Project Connect at Bethany Community Church in Tempe and is calling for volunteers to lend a helping hand.  Project Connect is a one-day outreach event that brings together more than 30 human services providers in one central location, increasing access to services for many individuals experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness. 

Volunteers are needed to work morning and afternoon shifts on Sept. 23 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Volunteers will serve meals, distribute clothing  and work one-on-one with guests, escorting them to the array of service providers available on-site. Services will be provided to the public between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

HOW:       
Persons interested in being part of the solution to end and prevent homelessness can sign up to volunteer for the event at www.vsuw.org/projectconnect. For volunteer groups of 10 or more, contact Farren Hinton at (602) 631-4815 or fhinton@vsuw.org.

WHY:       
Thousands of individuals experience homelessness in Maricopa County on any given day. Many individuals accessing services report experiencing homelessness for the first time due to a job loss, home foreclosure or unexpected medical bills.

Project Connect provides attendees with instant access to services and information that individuals need to start the journey back to health, financial stability, and housing.  Through Project Connect, volunteers can become a part of Valley of the Sun United Way’s long-term strategy to end homelessness in Maricopa County.

WHO:        
Valley of the Sun United Way

WHEN:      
Friday, Sept. 23
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE:    
Bethany Community Church
6240 S. Price Rd., Tempe
Cross Streets: Price and Guadalupe Roads (just south of Guadalupe Road)  

About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. Through programs such as Project Connect and the development of a Permanent Supportive Housing Initiative, VSUW is working to end homelessness in Maricopa County.  Our goal is to create long-lasting and measurable changes that improve the quality of life for struggling individuals, families and children in our community. For more information, visit www.vsuw.org.

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