Those experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless will have an opportunity today to attend a one-stop shop for any of the services they might need.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex, Project Homeless Connect will host a number of vendors and service providers that deal with issues surrounding homelessness. The services offered range from medical care, housing and financial assistance to haircuts and massages. All services are provided free of charge. Two other Project Homeless Connect events will take place simultaneously on the Kenai Peninsula, in Homer and Seward.
Upon arrival at Soldotna’s event, visitors will be asked to go through a quick intake process that is done confidentially and on an individual basis by trained professionals. Data collected at the event is used as a way to garner funding for local programs from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The survey also helps Project Homeless Connect better determine a person’s highest needs so that they can be directed to the services they would most benefit from, Jodi Stuart, publicity chair for Project Homeless Connect, said.
“Our intent is to view you as a human being,” Stuart said.
After going through the intake process, each participant will be partnered with a volunteer who helps them locate the services they desire and provides companionship for the day.
A variety of soups and other hot meals will be available thanks to donations from local restaurants and the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, and there will also be a food pantry on-site. Each participant will be given a comfort kit at the end, which will include hygiene products and nonperishable foods. Stuart said participants are welcome to stay as long as they would like and spend as much time with each service provider as they feel is necessary.
When participants are ready to leave, they will be asked to fill out an exit survey that includes questions regarding how they were treated throughout the day, what services they found helpful and what services they felt were lacking.
Alaska Cab will be providing free transportation to the event on request as well as via designated pickup and drop-off every hour on the hour at the following locations in Kenai and Soldotna:
Kenai — Walmart, Safeway, Country Foods IGA, the Job Center and the Food Bank
Soldotna — Fred Meyer, the Central Peninsula Hospital and Safeway
Call Alaska Cab at 907-262-1555. For more information about the event, call 907-420-4514.
Below is a list of service providers that will be present at Project Homeless Connect, as well as the services they will offer at the event:
Kenaitze Indian Tribe — Tobacco quit kits and and social services
AK Salon — Haircuts
Independent Living Center — Aging and disability resources
Kenai Public Health — Narcan Ed and Kits
Change 4 the Kenai — Drug rehabilitation services
Peninsula Job Center — Employment services
Kenai Peninsula Food Bank
Child Care Assistance Program
LeeShore Center — Domestic violence services
PCHS — Health information
Division of Vocational Rehab
Kenai Peninsula College
Kenai Peninsula Animal Lovers – Animal rescue
GCI — Lifeline phones
CARTS — Transportation
Peninsula Spay/Neuter Fund — Pet Services
SNAP — Food stamps
Smalley Massage — Hand Massages
CICADA — Alcohol/drug treatment
Kenai VA — Veteran services
Friendship Mission — Men’s Shelter information
Kenai Peninsula Reentry Coalition — Case management
Freedom House — Recovery/Sober living
Love, INC — Housing resources
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation — Housing vouchers
State of Alaska Public Assistance — Low income support programs
Ladies First — Health screening coverage
Kenai Peninsula Massage
Lions Club — Vision services
ABC Life Choices — Pregnancy/STD services
