PHX Reporter

A collection of 16 organizations around Maricopa County aims to put an end to homelessness by connecting those in need with services to help them, according to KPNX.

“It’s a healthy way to connect people to things that they might need to address their homelessness, or if they're at risk of homelessness, connect them to some services that might be able to help them maintain the housing that they already have,” Amy Schwabenlender, executive director of Human Services Campus (HSC), told KPNX.

Hosted by the HSC, Project Connect helps with housing, emergency shelter, and job services. The program also works to connect people with state benefits and medical care. Clients of the project work with advisors who help them through the process of acquiring services.

“It has been wonderful,” Glady Clark told KPNX. “I’ve connected with a young lady and ... she’s supposed to be helping me with housing. So, it’s been great. I’ve met a lot of people and been able to connect with them. The resources and the services are beautiful.”

One key element of Project Connect is the Homeless ID Project, which helps people regain valuable identification documents that have been lost or stolen.

“Most housing programs out there are going to require identification documents, like birth certificates and IDs,” Eric Ortega of the Homeless ID Project said. “Anybody knows that if you’re looking for work, that’s one of the first things that employers will ask you for as well. Getting services like food stamps, medical insurance, all those other things really rely on having those documents in place.”

It can take a lot of legwork to regain those vital pieces of identification and connect those in need with services, but volunteers know they are doing something vital to the community.

“We really feel good at the end of the day, though, if our guests are leaving feeling like they’ve accomplished what they needed to do all in one day,” Schwabenlender said.