Event provides holistic service to homeless community
By Charles Christian
An upcoming Community Missions event will provide those in need with free health and wellness services, benefits and networking opportunities for housing and work.
Community Missions is offering its annual Project Connect on Aug. 22, from 4 to 5 p.m., at the Salvation Army gym, located at 602 Messanie St. No registration is necessary. Services provided include medical testing, free haircuts, benefit enrollment and the chance to see the variety of resources offered to those in need here in St. Joseph. Community Missions director Rachael Bittiker said this annual event makes a big difference to people living on the street.
“In addition to providing networking opportunities with organizations that help with benefits and job training, the event also includes representatives from service providers,” Bittiker said. “So, we’re able to provide haircuts, dental screenings, blood pressure checks, since those services aren’t always available to people living on the streets.”
People who come will also get a free meal. Bittiker said that while people are eating or waiting to eat are ideal times for people in need to be able to explore options that can provide better health and even greater opportunity to find a job and a more permanent home.
Organizations like Catholic Charities, Salvation Army and Community Action Partnership will be present, along with representatives from the St. Joseph Health Department in order to ensure a wide range of services and opportunities to meet a variety of needs. Community Missions board member Brian Kirk said this annual event exemplifies the ongoing work of Community Missions and other nonprofits in the area.
“I think sometimes people have the impression that Community Missions is just a quick Band-Aid,” Kirk said. “In fact, we do lots of things that reach out into the community to provide long-term and long-range help, particularly for folks who are unhoused.”
Kirk reiterated that the event demonstrates a holistic approach that allows people to explore opportunities for housing but also provides ways to get medical attention, address issues of addiction and mental health, as well as ways to find jobs.
To find out more about the annual Project Connect 2024 event, visit https://cmcstjoe.org/.
