“Project Homeless Connect” Offers Critical Services for Region’s Homeless Population

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Deborah Chambers

Cell: 202-534-9965

dchambers@missiondc.org

“Project Homeless Connect” Offers Critical Services for Region’s Homeless Population

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WASHINGTON, DC –October 19, 2016— On October 19 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Central Union Mission will host dozens of local service providers to deliver a one-stop shop of critical and life-saving social services, from haircuts to podiatry and medical support, to approximately 300 local DC area individuals living in shelters or on the streets.

The second annual “Project Homeless Connect” sponsored by United Way will feature Rosie Allen-Herring, president and CEO of United Way National Capital Area, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton at the Central Union Mission’s Gale School shelter  (65 Massachusetts Avenue, NW) at 11 am.

To  respond to the urgent needs of the homeless neighbors, volunteer guides consisting of Central Union Mission supporters, will be matched with clients to help them navigate the event. According to Mission Executive Director David Treadwell, “These great volunteers will help folks access  important services in only one day—compared to a process that might normally take months. Sometimes all a homeless person needs is a little direction.”

An example of some of the services that will be provided in a one-stop shop setting at the event will include:

• HIV testing provided by Whitman-Walker’s Mobile Unit
• Medical services provided by Howard University resident physicians
• Podiatry services provided by Dr. Howard Osterman
• Haircuts provided by area stylists
• Voter registration provided by the DC Board of Elections
• And many more services ranging from legal consultation to employment assessments and emergency rental assistance

Over 8,000 people in the District of Columbia and surrounding areas are living in shelters or on the streets.  While the DC metropolitan area has a wealth of providers offering services to people experiencing homelessness, for some, navigating the system can be daunting.  Last year, 54% of the nearly 300 participants said that without “Project Homeless Connect” they would not have been able to access the critical services provided.

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About United Way of the National Capital Area

Focusing on the critical areas of education, financial stability and health, United Way of the National Capital Area works to build a thriving community by addressing our region’s most pressing challenges. United Way NCA has been improving lives by creating measurable impact in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties for more than 40 years.

United Way NCA is rated Gold-level with GuideStar, the world’s largest source of non-profit information that advances transparency and enables users to make better charitable giving decisions. For more information about United Way of the National Capital Area, visit UnitedWayNCA.org

About Central Union Mission

Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with its homeless shelter located at 65 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC  20001. In addition to its emergency shelter program, the Mission operates rehabilitative and job training programs for men, a clothing and furniture distribution center, a retreat and recreation center with a camp for underprivileged children and a ministry to families and senior citizens. www.missiondc.org.

Charity Navigator awarded Central Union Mission four out of a possible four stars, which indicates that Central Union Mission adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way.  Charity Navigator is America’s premier independent charity evaluator.