Project Homeless Connect, an event by the Kenai Peninsula Homeless Coalition (KPHC), will take place at different locations across the Kenai Peninsula on Tuesday, Jan. 28. The coalition’s mission is to connect those experiencing homelessness with the care they need to move forward.
The event organizer, Jodi Stuart, said the idea came from California and was brought to Alaska by their partners. 16 years later, KPHC is continuing the project to provide a “one-stop shop” to get folks and agencies together for individuals with housing issues or any difficulty with any aspect of their life that they consider makes them vulnerable.
Stuart also said, “Homelessness is often ignored, stigmatized, or simply invisible. This is especially true in places like the Kenai Peninsula where the population is widely dispersed, and there is no centralized “downtown” or area where those experiencing homelessness gather.”
She thanked the volunteers who made this event happen. “If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t have a Project Homeless Connect.”
“Action always speaks louder than words. And again, I think the folks that we help every single year recognize that we are doing this because we want to see our neighbors thrive and we really want to make sure that our community is one that everyone wants to be proud to be a part of.” Stuart says.
At the Project Homeless Connect, KPHC is offering free services and resources:
- Employment/Career Guidance
- Housing Information
- Veteran Resources
- Public Benefits
- Childcare Resources
- Recovery Resources
- Disability Resources
- Healthcare Services
- Immunizations
- STD Testing
- Pet Services
They will also provide free hot breakfast and lunch, haircuts, massages, hats, and gloves.
Project Homeless Connect will occur in Homer at the SPARC, Anchor Point at the VFW, and in the Kenai Central area in Soldotna at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex.
All three locations will start and end at the same time, 9 am-4 pm.
For individuals in the Kenai and Soldotna areas who need transportation to and from the event, KPHC has partnered with Alaska Cab to provide free transportation. For folks outside of town, such as Nikiski, Sterling, or Kasilof, the Central Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) is also available.
For a free ride to the event, call Alaska Cab at 907-262-1555 or CARTS at 907-262-8900.
The KPHC is an organization of agencies, individuals, advocates, non-profits, and service providers that aims to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness and achieve stability.
To volunteer for Project Homeless Connect, contact KPHC at 907-420-4514 or visit their website at kenaipeninsulahomeless.org.