The University of Denver will host Project Homeless Connect 7 (PHC 7) on Friday, April 24 from 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m. in the Ritchie Center.
The event serves as a one-stop shop for homeless individuals and families to access more than 60 Denver-area service organizations. Services include basic medical care, food stamp benefits, veteran’s services, resumé assistance, legal advice, haircuts and basic hygiene products. Information will be available about shelter openings and job opportunities, but PHC 7 is not a housing or job fair.
Project Homeless Connect is a part of Denver’s 10-year plan to end homelessness, known as Denver’s Road Home, which began in October 2003 in response to a rise in homelessness and an increase in public safety concerns.
According to Denver’s Road Home, the city is home to more 3,900 homeless men, women and children. Denver spends more than $70 million annually on shelter, healthcare and other stopgap services.
“Without the support of institutions like the University of Denver and its students, faculty, staff and community members, Denver’s Road Home would not be able to tackle the issue of homelessness in this city,” says Katie Symons, the initiative’s outreach coordinator. “Denver’s Road Home is so fortunate to have partnered with DU since 2006; we look forward to continuing the effort through this upcoming PHC event.”
Last year, DU contributed more than 800 volunteers to the event. As a result, 680 homeless adults and 139 children received access to a wide range of services.
More than 1,000 DU students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members are needed for the event. Volunteers will be matched one-to-one with a homeless participant for the day. All volunteers will go through an extensive training process. Volu