Welcome to the Minneapolis/Hennepin County Project Homeless Connect website. Project Homeless Connect, based on a nationally implemented best practice, is a one-stop-shop of support services for people experiencing homelessness.

On May 11th, 2009, Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis hosted the seventh Project Homeless Connect (PHC), held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Transforming more than 160,000 square feet of convention space into a one-stop service center, the event directly addressed the numerous and complex barriers that prevent homeless individuals from finding lasting employment and securing safe, stable housing. PHC united over 120 separate service agencies, providing wraparound services that included mental and chemical health care, employment training and placement, comprehensive medical and dental care, haircuts, ID assistance, and voicemail services. Throughout the day, over 400 service providers and 1400 volunteers helped more than 1500 individuals looking for services. Guests were partnered with volunteers to identify and access those key services, explore previously unused benefits, and eat lunch together.

Guests at Project Homeless Connect #2
share a smile after winning a
new bike in the lottery.
Read more [+]

Project Homeless Connect is a service delivery model that has consistently been proven to be crucial in eliminating barriers to housing, employment, education, and the myriad other factors that contribute to long-term homelessness.

The following are some statistics representative of the wide range of services provided at the most recent PHC:

• 559 people received housing search assistance, 6 people secured housing at the event (and many more were housed in the weeks following the event), 70 people were placed on waiting lists, 16 obtained foreclosure prevention, and another 112 individuals completed housing applications.
• 285 people received dental care, 105 received urgent medical care, and over 300 people obtained eyeglasses.
• 550 people received free state IDs and/or birth certificates, 153 secured county benefits, and 67 acquired veterans’ assistance benefits.
• 107 people were helped with their resumes, 111 applied for jobs, and 247 received legal assistance.
• 207 had their hair cut and well over 1,000 hot meals were served.

Our next Project Homeless Connect will be held on Monday, December 7, 2009 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Click here for more information ->