LOCAL AGENCIES REACH JEFFERSON COUNTY HOMELESS POPULATION

October 20, 2018

Imagine not knowing where your next meal would be coming from or searching for a decent place to sleep where you are safe from the elements. Jefferson County’s homeless population lives this every day.

On Thursday, September 20 at Elks Lodge in Festus, MO, dozens of local agencies joined arms to provide services to this population, reaching 88 homeless individuals including 19 children and 50 households.

“Seeing so many Jefferson County agencies come together to assist and support our homeless population was an amazing experience to be a part of,” said MaryBeth Pugh, Housing Manager at COMTREA. “It may have only been a one day event, but Project Homeless Connect gave hope to so many people who do not know where to turn in times of crisis.”

Project Homeless Connect offered services to the homeless population including ID cards via the DMV, acquiring birth certificates, clothing needs, a hot meal, dental services, veteran services, and other services.

All of these services were provided at either a very low cost or no cost at all to those who qualified.

COMTREA was awarded a $10,000 grant to launch the event as a way to help this underserved population with their basic and everyday needs.

Other Missouri counties, including Cape Girardeau, offer Project Homeless Connect annually. COMTREA and other local agencies hope provide similar events to our homeless population on a frequent basis.