PROJECT CONNECT 2012 – Your help is needed

Planning for the 5th annual Charlevoix-Emmet Project Connect has begun. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Community Building at the Emmet County Fairgrounds in Petoskey. Download a flyer. Project Connect connects people in need with a range of health and human services needed to improve their lives.
“Project Connect provides an all-inclusive, one day event for people in Charlevoix and Emmet counties to access a wide variety of resources and easily network with others in their community,” says Kathy Hart, Co-Chair of the Events Committee of the Homeless Continuum of Care, a workgroup of the Charlevoix-Emmet Human Services Coordinating Body (HSCB), and Director of the Manna Food Project.  “By bringing together all of the services to one place on one day, we can make an immediate difference in the lives of many.”
The planning team anticipates an event both bigger and better this year. Last year the event reached over 800 individuals.  All received a wide range of supportive services. Assistance with housing, food, tax preparation, health services, and much more were provided throughout the day.  Free haircuts and chair massages were available. Guests received a meal and gifts of food, personal care and household items.
“Obviously a project of this size brings together a huge number of partners,” says Martha Lancaster, Co-Chair of the event and Director of Char-Em United Way.  “We are in need of agencies and businesses to participate; donations of goods; and funds to support the event.  Individuals and groups wishing to be involved can contact the United Way or Manna.”
Individuals or businesses interested in donating items might consider conducting a drive at their business, school, or faith community.  Click here to view lists of specific food, personal care, household, or other items that are most needed.  Funds are also needed to purchase these items.
Project Connect also requires a large crew of volunteers. To view the opportunities click here and search for the key words Project Connect.
The local Project Connect is modeled on similar events that have been conducted in hundreds of communities around the country. 
The HSCB has developed a 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness in Emmet and Charlevoix Counties.  Project Connect is just one of the initiatives included in that plan as well a part of the action plan of the Continuum of Care/Poverty Reduction Initiative.
For more information about Project Connect, to volunteer goods, services or funds, contact us at vista@charemunitedway.org.  Watch a video of the 2010 Project Connect.