CRUZ BAY — Project Homeless Connect will be coming to St. John on Friday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Ursula’s Multipurpose Center and the back lot of the Department of Human Services.
Volunteers are needed (especially those with food service cards) to help provide homeless Virgin Islanders and individuals at risk of homelessness the tools to reconnect to society.
This is the third year of a St. John effort to address homelessness in a new way, according to SJCF’s Kalousek. Project Homeless Connect is a one-day, one-stop shop to deliver real services to people experiencing homelessness in our community, the community organizer explained.
“But this is also about a commitment to move from simply managing homelessness towards trying to end it,” Kalousek said. “Project Homeless Connect is more than a single day of outreach and service. It’s about getting the community to make a commitment to being part of long-term solutions to homelessness.”
Breaking the Myth
Project Homeless Connect is breaking the myth that people do not seek assistance and services and would rather be on the street, according to Kalousek. The data prove that when people are approached in a respectful and kind manner, and with available resources, they are eager to accept help toward self-sufficiency, she added.
Several pharmacies in have stepped up to the plate in the past to provide needed medical supplies for the event and we are looking to their help again this year. A wide variety of volunteers and service providers help the clients connect with specialists who can treat their unique medical conditions.
“It’s wonderful to see the health community come together,” said Dr. Celia Victor, who serves on the medical team. “Because the cost of living and health care is high in the islands, this allows patients to get the care they need.”
The community’s participation helps in the transition out of homelessness, according to professionals.
Volunteers will be needed at St. Ursula’s Church and at the back parking lot of the Human Services office to help clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness navigate the myriad services available at the event, Kalousek explained. With the help of volunteer angels, the homeless may have the chance to get a haircut or a massage in addition to a hot meal. They will also be able to select clean clothing and will be given a new pair of shoes.
“Extend a helping hand by volunteering to help individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” Kalousek urged. “Help connect clients to service providers who can manage access to health services, benefits and social services.”
Volunteers can contact Celia Kalousek at St. John Community Foundation at 340-693-9410.
