2024 Mat-Su Project Homeless Connect set for Jan. 30

WASILLA — The 2024 Mat-Su Project Homeless Connect is set for Tuesday, Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Menard Sports Center.

The Mat-Su Coalition on Housing and Homelessness hosts this annual event with numerous local nonprofits and community organizations to support local homeless members of the community. There are no eligibility requirements to attend.

"Everybody's welcome," Valley Charities homeless services coordinator Dave Rose said.

Homeless Connect features a variety of booths designed to connect visitors to important services such as health and wellness screenings, employment assistance, legal assistance, and housing assistance. There will also be free clothing, food, haircuts, and grab bags filled with useful items available throughout the event. Rose called the event a "one-stop-shop" for wrap-around support.

"You name it and we'll try to help you get it done," Rose said.

According to Rose, overall preparations are going well. He said they're still seeking volunteers to help out in various ways such as helping attend to booths, distributing items, and cleaning up.

Rose said they had 100 visitors last year, and they're looking to have about 125 volunteers to serve an anticipated 200 visitors this year.

Numerous returning groups and organizations such as Family Promise Mat-Su, United Way Mat-Su, Palmer Lions Club, Knik Tribal Council, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Alaska Job Corps, and the Mat-Su Borough School District's Families in Transition program are participating this year.

Rose said that it's encouraging to have so many different people from across the community come together to help make this event happen each year. He said it's one of his favorite community endeavors.

"It makes you feel good about living in the Mat-Su Valley. There's just a whole lot of people who care and it's nice to be a part of that," Rose said.

The 2024 Mat-Su Project Homeless Connect event will take place at the Menard Sports Center.

The Menard Sports Center is located at 1001 South Clapp Street just outside downtown Wasilla. There will be free transportation available for those wishing to attend the event. For more information about the free transportation service, call 907-631-1542

For more information about Mat-Su Project Homeless Connect, call 907-414-5971. To learn more about volunteering for the event, visit unitedwaymatsu.org/project-homeless-connect.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com