(03/13/08) - Those in need of a wide range of services, including health care, housing and meals in Greater Akron are encouraged to attend an important event next month.

The cities of Akron and Barberton, Summit County and the Akron/Summit County Continuum of Care are organizing the first Project Homeless Connect (PHC) to be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2008. This event is a community wide effort to bring service providers together in one location as a means both to highlight the many types of assistance available to those experiencing homelessness and to deliver real time aid to those in need.

Project Homeless Connect (PHC) is a national best practice model that originated in San Francisco under Mayor Gavin Newsom in 2004. Sponsored by mayors and other community leaders, PHC is a one-day; one-stop event sponsored by Mayors and other community leaders and designed to provide access to housing, services, and hospitality for in a convenient one-stop model directly to people experiencing homelessness. More than 150 events in 120 cities in the last two years is evidence of the rapid adoption of this innovative project. Cities of every size from coast to coast have engaged in Project Homeless Connect (PCH) events.

“This community never ceases to amaze me with its teamwork,” said Sue Pierson, chairperson for the Akron/Summit County Continuum of Care. “The event is a milestone in the state, and our community is the first to host PHC following the national model. More importantly, it brings together all the right agencies in one central location to provide service to those in need.”

PHC will be held at the Salvation Army at 190 South Maple Street in Akron, Tuesday, April 29, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Among the services provided that day: dental care, legal assistance, mammogram screenings, HIV/AIDS testing, prostate cancer testing, job placement services, housing placement applications, clothing, meals, hair cuts, and many health screening services. Organizers anticipate more than 200 will attend and receive some level of service.

Volunteers are needed. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, contact the United Way of Summit County at 330.643.5512 or email pbeals@uwsummit.org.