Annual event to aid homeless slated for Friday at Osage Centre

Project Homeless Connect is heading once again to the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau.

The annual event will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at 1625 N. Kingshighway.

In its fifth year, Project Homeless Connect provides a host of free services for people who need them — from legal assistance and dental care to medical screenings.

Jessica Hill, executive director of Safe House for Women, which is in its second year of a three-year commitment as coordinating agency for Project Homeless Connect, said about 400 people are expected to attend. Last year, 400 took advantage of the event.

“We’re hoping that we will meet or exceed last year’s number,” she said.

Free services to be provided Friday include help obtaining birth certificates, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, housing, education, employment resources, haircuts, showers, personal-hygiene kits, groceries and lunch.

Free child care also will be provided through a Kid’s Zone.

One new feature this year is being led by the Cape Girardeau Transit Authority, which will provide free transportation for attendees through all its fixed bus routes. Previously, free rides were provided through one bus route with about 12 stops, Hill said.

“Participants are coming from all over Cape Girardeau,” she said.

To make it easier for the agencies that will provide services Friday, Hill asked participants to bring as much documentation for themselves and everyone else in their households as they can.

Safe House for Women also still is accepting volunteers who will help guide participants during the event to ensure they can find the resources they’re seeking.

This year’s Project Homeless Connect has 32 sponsors who donated $10,000 to offset the cost of renting the Osage Centre, to pay for medical and dental supplies and to provide IDs. More than 100 people have come forward to volunteer as well.

The Community Caring Council previously served as the coordinating agency for the event.

ljones@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652

Pertinent address:

1625 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.