UNITED WAY AND PARTNERS CONNECT HOMELESS TO VITAL SERVICES            
Project Connect hosted at Human Services Campus in Phoenix

View printable PDF of Media Advisory here

WHAT:
On Thursday, Aug. 18, Valley of the Sun United Way and partners will converge on the Human Services Campus to bring vital health and human services directly to individuals experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness at Project Connect. Held once a month in cities throughout the Valley, Project Connect is a one-day outreach event that brings together more than 30 human service providers in one central location. On this day, United Way will help bring new resources to the Human Services Campus, increasing access to services for many individuals in crisis.

Attendees will work one-on-one with volunteers who will help them access driver’s licenses, employment services, wellness checks, shelter, counseling, food, clothing and haircuts, among other vital human services. Individuals at risk of losing their housing are encouraged to attend and obtain information about affordable rental services.

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

Project Connect is part of Valley of the Sun United Way’s broader community work to end homelessness in Maricopa County. Through Project Connect, Valley of the Sun United Way provides struggling individuals and families with the information and resources they need to prevent homelessness and break down one of the most difficult challenges facing homeless individuals – access to services.

VISUALS: 
Volunteers and various providers work one-on-one with homeless individuals. 

WHO:        
Valley of the Sun United Way and diverse array of human services providers

WHEN:      
Thursday, Aug. 18 
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
BEST HOURS FOR INTERVIEWS/VISUALS: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE:    
Human Services Campus
232 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix (Cross Streets: 12th Avenue, south of Jefferson Street) 
Parking located south of Central Arizona Shelter Services; see attached Parking Map for details 

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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 Pilot, 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.