The JCPHC had three main goals, which were: Generating public awareness, reducing barriers and improving access to services for homeless individuals and families, and engaging and increasing the collaborative involvement of homeless consumers, businesses, the non-profit community, and individual volunteers to create solutions to end homelessness. There were 32 vendors available at the event, plus an additional 27 community volunteers.
The event saw 26 participants walk through the door. Of those 26 participants, we were able to reach 64 of their family members with potential services. Of those 64 participants, 36 are staying in hotels/motels, 1 is staying home, 3 are staying in their cars, 2 are staying in the parking lots, 8 are with friends, and 13 are currently in homeless shelters. Also, of those 64 homeless, 30 of them were children aged 17 and under. Two of them were aged 18-29, eight were 30-29, five were 40-49, eight were 50-59, and four were 60-69. There were also two veterans served.
Overall, the event was a success and the goals of the JCPHC were reached. Many homeless were able to connect with vendors for the services they needed and will receive the help they need moving forward. If you would like to learn more about the event or the other vendors involved in the event, or check out some of the photos from the event, visit the Jefferson County Project Homeless Connect Facebook Page at this link: Project Homeless Connect-Jefferson County, MO - Home | Facebook.