Project Homeless Connect 2011

Thursday, November 3, 2011

A Letter from Kristen Jacoby and Mayor Jarjura 

Now entering year four of the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, the City of Waterbury continues to join hundreds of other communities across the country with the common goal of ending homelessness. 

Our efforts have been direct – to move people from shelter to permanent housing while adding affordable housing units to our area, offering appropriate services and providing employment training. We have been and will remain committed to addressing the issues that confront individuals and families experiencing homelessness and those currently at risk of becoming homeless.   

Many asked if it would be possible to end homelessness in ten years. Last year alone:

• 275 people avoided becoming homeless thanks to increased prevention efforts
• Waterbury welcomed 6 new landlords/developers who share a common goal in ending homelessness
• 32 new housing units or dedicated subsidies were opened
• Legal services were provided for 30 eviction cases representing 79 people
• 60 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers were secured
• Project Homeless Connect service providers increased by 20%

This is only some of the data that shows that we are on the right path in assisting others to reestablish self-sufficiency and access housing. The challenge to end homelessness remains constant however. The causes of homelessness are complex and vary, but we are responding strategically through the use of intelligent actions and communications initiatives that link accurate information, research, data, costs and best practices, which all encourage our community to be well-informed and proactive. 

We are proud to unveil the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness website and announce that it is now live. The website, www.waterbury10yearplan.net, is a new tool to educate community members about the pressing issues of homelessness, inform volunteers about the various ways they can help and serve as a resource to those who need help. 

We thank each volunteer and service provider who has accepted the challenge to end homelessness. We are committed to reviewing this plan regularly and will continue to report back to the community on the progress toward reaching the goal of ending homelessness in Waterbury and the region. 

The Waterbury Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness was made possible through the support of its partners, the City of Waterbury, Bank of America, United Way of Greater Waterbury and the CT Coalition to End Homelessness. To those who have committed their time, effort, expertise and insight, we sincerely thank you for supporting us in this worthy effort.   

What’s Project Homeless Connect?

Project Homeless Connect is a one-day, one-stop, community-wide event designed to deliver care and services to those currently experiencing or near homelessness in the Waterbury community. This effort to end homelessness is made possible by a partnership of citizens, health care, business, civic and neighborhood leaders uniting with the Waterbury Continuum of Care, making this a very beneficial day for homeless individuals and families seeking resources. Services offered include housing information, medical treatment, dental cleanings, haircuts, educational resources, legal, credit and employment counseling, veteran’s services, and much more.  

Stories from the event 

A mother of three and her husband lost their jobs in the economic downturn and were unexpectedly evicted from their apartment.  Their landlord had not kept up with paperwork and was renting illegally.Now staying in the Saint Vincent de Paul Shelter, this mother is grateful for Project Homeless Connect.  “It means a lot.  We can get help here, find a home and there’s a lot of information.” 

A single mother of five has found shelter with Saint Vincent de Paul.  On their recommendation, she was able to come to Project Homeless Connect and provide her children with dental treatments and haircuts. “I could get things I normally wouldn’t have, and there’s information on housing.”  She added, “The balloons and other things are helping the kids.” 

Frances had lived in Germany for 40 years, returning to Waterbury to live with and care for a family member. When that person died, she found herself without a home or resources. She went to a shelter, “devastated,” but found other women who were worse off than she was.  She decided to try to help these women and shared a message of hope in a situation that leaves many feeling hopeless. Tony Bacci helped her find senior housing where she’s become president of the tenants association and holds Bible classes. Of Project Homeless Connect, she said, “It’s important for the people who come here to see people care and have their best interests at heart.  The ability to get a health screening means they can relax, knowing they don’t have a serious health threat like breast cancer or HIV.“The homeless are upset because most people view us as lazy bums but that’s not true.  Situations cause homelessness and we need a place to, somebody to show us we’re not less than nothing.This event shows everyone, ‘You are somebody’.”  

Links: 

Photo Album (Special thanks to photographer Robert Marsala) - www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.254734627912410.72673.184788298240377&type=1&l=c8bc3ecbaa 

YouTube Video - youtu.be/Fl_7v5elifw 

Republican American Story - www.rep-am.com/articles/2011/10/22/news/local/593717.txt 

Waterbury’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness - www.waterbury10yearplan.net

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FREE: FOOD, CARE PRODUCTS, ADVICE

BY MIKE PATRICK

REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN 

WATERBURY - Second chances don’t always come easy, but they sometimes come with a little help. And 53-year-old Harold Rollins appreciated it. 

After serving time on a burglary charge, Rollins was let out of prison into Waterbury some years back. Friendless and homeless, he eventually found his way to Project Homeless Connect, an effort by the United Way of Greater Waterbury to direct homeless people to dozens of social services and community groups that can help them. 

On Friday, Rolling attended for his third consecutive year. 

“This program has been a great asset to me in life,” Rollins said. “It gave me a second chance in life and a chance to meet people moving ahead in life, not staying in the same position.” 

Rollins, who now lives in a subsidized apartment provided by the Salvation Army, said he attended the event Friday to het a hot breakfast and some personal hygiene products. Others at the event received haircuts, shoes, medical screenings, dental cleanings, employment help, even chiropractic care. 

But the most important thing they received, organizers said, was information. 

Although there were plenty of free foods, books, clothing and other items to go around, the event was geared more toward connecting the needy and homeless with services that can help them. 

“We’ve had people come by and find out they qualified for programs they didn’t realize,” said Mason Banwell, a sponsored executive with the United Way of Greater Waterbury, representing the group’s 211 social service information hotline. He said several people found out they could receive assistance with heating costs, child care and other needs. 

The homeless and needy also received legal advice, veterans’ benefits and employment help, housing advice and educational opportunities. 

The longest line, though, was again at the section run by Acts 4 Ministry, which was giving away winter coats, hats, gloves and other clothing. 

“That need is pervasive throughout the year, but it is more acutely notable as the winter approaches,” said Bill Dowling, and Acts 4 board member. 

“The need always outweighs the supply.” 

About 300 people attended last year’s event, and this year almost twice as many were expected, planners said. 

Project Homeless Connect is part of the city’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, an effort begun in 2009 to move the homeless into permanent housing.  For information on the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, visit www.waterbury10yearplan.net.