Pasadena Homeless Connect Day
By Pasadena Independent
Published: Thursday, March 26th, 2009
Linking Those in Need with Resources to Improve Their Lives
The annual Homeless Connect Day, which strives to link those in need with resources and services to improve their lives, will be held on Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 180 Mentor Ave., Pasadena.
This one-day, national event connects the homeless population to a wide variety of direct services locally. The first Homeless Connect Day in Pasadena was held a year ago, welcoming 243 individuals and linking them to more than 2,000 services in a thriving, positive atmosphere. Twenty-two households came off the street and found shelter that night.
“The innovation of Homeless Connect Day fuses political and civic will in a one-day, one-stop array of resources, providing hospitality and support for a pathway out of homelessness,” said Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard.
Services offered on-site will include a medical clinic, STD testing and rapid response HIV testing, benefits screening and assistance, California ID cards through DMV and the vouchers to pay for them, pet therapy, housing placement and referrals, substance abuse screenings and referrals, shuttles to showers, budgeting assistance, veterans services, dental referrals, vision screenings, massage opportunities and more.
Similar to last year, 50 agencies will participate, and 50 volunteers from the community are expected. The goal is to exceed last year’s totals of providing 72 flu shots, 76 blood pressure screenings, 38 mental health screenings and 400 lunches served.
“The objective of this event is to address as many of the barriers to housing that the homeless population faces in an immediate and direct way,” said Kitty Galt, an Outreach Specialist with Passageways and coordinator of Homeless Connect Day in Pasadena. “Public agencies and community groups are invited to join the effort to reach out and provide services.”
Sponsors this year include: Pacific Clinics, The Salvation Army, Kaiser Permanente, Shelter Partnership, Pasadena Host Lions Club and Union Station Homeless Services. This is a collaborative event with service providers, the City of Pasadena, area businesses and community volunteers.
For more information please contact Passageways at (626) 403-4888.
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