The 14th annual Project Community Connect will be Friday at a new, larger location, said Rebecca Stancil, Family Self Sufficiency Program Coordinator with the Missoula At-Risk Housing Coalition.

Project Community Connect is a one-day, one-stop service event for people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless.

The new location will be at the Valentine Center on Latimer Street from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday. Stancil described just some of the services that will be offered at the event.

“We’ll have clothing, family services, dental services, we’ll have employers there with positions that need to be filled,” said Stancil. “We’ll have job training programs, supportive employment, eye care, financial services, food and haircuts. We’ll also have a number of housing agencies there, both for shelter and access to affordable housing.”

Stancil said in addition to the many social services offered, there will be a new feature this year for those who may be facing challenges with law enforcement or the justice system.

“This is basically an opportunity for folks who may have misdemeanors, warrants or fines, they can address those,” she said. “We’ll have like a mini-court there. If they’re not sure if they have something outstanding then we have a separate space set aside for someone to look that information up for you.”

Stancil explained why this new service is being offered at Project Community Connect.

“These warrants and fines can create barriers to moving forward with their lives, so we wanted to create a mechanism and follow with a one-stop-shop concept to bring the legal services there,” she said.

This care and outreach will be provided with the direct help of more than 75 nonprofit service providers, local businesses, churches and government agencies and more than 100 community volunteers. They expect to provide services to at least 350 people.

The event is free, and no appointments are necessary. Buses will be running to the event.

 

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