Menard Center to host annual Mat-Su Valley Homeless Connect

WASILLA —More than four-dozen agencies, businesses and vendors, and 150 volunteers are expected to converge on the Curtis D. Menard Sports Center Tuesday for the seventh annual Mat-Su Valley Homeless Connect.

The Valley's homeless and disadvantaged are encouraged to take advantage of a myriad of free opportunities and services. The event is a joint effort of Mat-Su Health Foundation, The United Way of Mat-Su, Mat-Su Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, city of Wasilla, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, and The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.

Organizers planned Project Homeless Connect to be a "one-day, one-stop, one community" event. Although its main focus is toward Mat-Su's homeless and disadvantaged residents, organizers stress it is open to the public. Those involved encourage everyone, especially seniors, to stop by the center. Those that do will get assistance with health and wellness screenings, legal services, employment and housing, food, legal matters, pets, clothing, toiletries and much more. Additionally, hot, free lunches will be provided.

"The atmosphere is one of care and hard work," said Kathryn Rose, one of the event coordinators. "The Mat-Su comes together with great support...for the benefit of all participants. Although the event is a one-day occurrence, many of the connections and services available provide opportunity for sustainable support and care throughout the entire year. In the Mat-Su, like in many areas, one of the hurdles to receiving services and providing services, is making this initial connection."

The project was originally the idea of Laurie Kari of Family Promise Mat-Su who said she came to the local Homeless Connect from the Anchorage event, where she used to volunteer. She and Dave Rose both noticed how effective the project was and decided to bring it to the Valley. Since then, others such as Kathryn Rose, Beth Westland of Mat-Su Senior Services, and Staci Manier of United Way of the Mat-Su have stepped in to help coordinate. With vendors set up throughout the Menard Center Project Homeless Connect presents itself more as a fair or carnival.

Kathryn Rose said this year's vendor count is at least equal to the 2016 tally.

"It's probably grown a little," she said.

Regarding participants, Rose said the project has seen slow, but steady growth.

"Last year was our largest (participant count) ever. We had 270. This year we would like to see 300 and make this year our largest ever," said Rose.

Rose said planning for the event begins in late fall with those interested in getting involved--both businesses and volunteers, meeting every couple of weeks. In fact, she said things have gone so well this year that additional volunteers are not needed.

"We have community meetings every couple of weeks in Wasilla at the city council chambers. Things are pretty consistent into the holidays, then once they get here, we are in full go mode," Rose said.

Doors open at 10 a.m. and things run through 3 p.m. In addition to the full range of service providers and the available hot meal, organizers have arranged for free transportation to the event. Those in the borough without a way to get to the Menard Center may call 907-354-3865. That number will only be answered the day of the event. For additional information on Project Homeless Connect, call 745-5827.

Contact Frontiersman reporter Chris Ford at chris.ford@frontiersman.com.