September 30, 2009 – The City of Springfield was the host of Project Homeless Connect, an event which allows homeless families and individuals the opportunity to access multiple service providers in one place, on one day. This year’s event was held at the MassMutual Center on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., and focused on homeless families.
The following is a breakdown of the services provided:
SPRINGFIELD PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT 2009
Estimated 1000 guests
More than 600 volunteers
80 vendors: service provider agencies, state and city departments, landlords
HOUSING
13 people housed, with an expected minimum of 10 more to be housed by the end of the week due to assistance received at the event
642 people received ‘housing triage’ counseling from trained housing counselors
576 completed applications for public and Section 8 housing
85-90 completed applications for sober housing programs; 20 completed applications for other housing programs
IDENTIFICATION
398 people obtained Massachusetts IDs
221 people ordered birth certificates
CIVIC & ADVOCACY
8 people registered to vote
68 people obtained advice about consumer issues, with 24 intakes or follow-up appointments made
2 people went to court to address outstanding warrants—one of these was a homeless veteran who was able to get his license back from RMV after having the warrant lifted
23 people received information or advice regarding immigration issues
HEALTH
76 people applied for MassHealth
41 people obtained health exams/direct medical care
55 people obtained chiropractic care
40 people received foot care
2 people went to detox
8 applications were completed for the Statewide Head Injury Program
6 people obtained mental health screens, and 13 mental health appointments were made
150 blood sugar screens completed, and 8 people with high blood sugar provided follow-up appointments
110 hypertension screenings completed
225 dental screenings completed, with 22 follow-up appointments made
16 HIV/STD tests completed, with 3 follow-up appointments made
50 TB tests completed
92 skin cancer/sun damage screenings completed
45 eye exams completed, with anyone needed a prescription given a follow-up appointment to obtain free eyeglasses
244 reading glasses and 290 sunglasses distributed
INCOME & PUBLIC BENEFITS
21 applications for Social Security Administration application
25 people obtained Social Security cards
31 people applied for food stamps
20 people obtained information about fuel assistance
82 people received assistance with tax information & returns
22 people obtained information about free cell phones and minutes from SafeLink Wireless
VETERANS SERVICES
22 people completed applications for veterans benefits
35 accessed veterans services, with 6 follow-up appointments made
OTHER
525 people obtained haircuts
200 bus tickets were given out
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated that Project Homeless Connect 2009 was a success and extended his appreciation to all of the coordinators and service providers who participated in this year’s event. “The event participants can take comfort in knowing that they helped to improve the quality of life for many thankful service recipients,” stated Sarno.
