First Mat-Su Project Homeless Connect event held since the start of the pandemic

WASILLA — The 2023 Mat-Su Project Homeless Connect was held at the Menard Sports Center Jan. 31, drawing participants from across the community.

The Mat-Su Coalition on Housing and Homelessness organizes this annual event with help from numerous community partners such as United Way of Mat-Su, Family Promise Mat-Su, and Valley Charities.

"It went well," United Way of Mat-Su Development and Outreach Coordinator, Michelle Harmeling said.

This was the first time this event was held since the start of the pandemic. Harmeling said this is the type of event that has to be held in person.

"There's really not another way to do this," Harmeling said.

Mat-Su Project Homeless Connect is designed to connect participants to various resources such as health, employment, and housing opportunities. There was an array of free items and services available to visitors, including food, clothing, toiletries, haircuts, and showers. Guests were also able to utilize designated transportation services to and from the event.

A wide variety of local agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups participated in this year’s event, offering various resources and information at booths spread across the turf area of the Menard Center.

“We had an awesome vendor turnout," Harmeling said. “A ton of work goes into all the pieces of this. For the clients we serve, it's probably the most important event of the year.”

According to Harmeling, this event is a vital resource for the community that also serves as an annual opportunity for intake collection on homeless residents across the Mat-Su Valley. She said they can learn a lot from the total number of participants and the feedback they leave. She said that data aids local efforts in preventing homelessness and supporting those affected by it.

“This is really a one-stop way to do that,” Harmeling said.

Troy Stowell volunteered throughout the 2023 Mat-Su Homeless Connect event as a part of his internship practicum. He said this community tradition is essential to creating a healthy and connected community.

“There should be a lot more stuff like this going on," Stowell said.

“It's definitely one of the biggest things that should be focused on, given the current state of Anchorage and the Mat-Su. It's a problem that we all need to confront. We can't turn a blind eye to it or it's all gonna get worse,"

For more information about the Mat-Su Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, call 907-232-4450 or visit.mschh.org

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