The Young Professionals Network urges its members to volunteer to help Project Homeless Connect at an event that will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, at the UVI Sports and Fitness Center, St. Thomas campus.
The purposes of the program are to create public awareness of the problem of homelessness in the territory, welcome homeless people back into the community, and provide essential services to them. Non-profit organizations from United Way are present at this event to assist the clients with their various services. This is a fun and interactive day in which the client receives massages, counseling, clothing, food, private showers, medical and dental attention and much more.
Volunteers are needed for the following:
Escorting: to escort clients throughout the entire process. This includes walking and taking the homeless to various booths, available services (hair cut, massages, clothing, etc.), and breakfast and lunch.
Set up Volunteers: are expected to set up tables, chairs, signs and whatever else is needed. Volunteers are to begin lending their assistance on Thursday, October 15th at 5:00PM and if needed Friday, October 16th at 7:30AM.
Food Service Volunteers: are required to serve healthy portions of food to the homeless for breakfast and lunch. It is recommended that you volunteer in a soup kitchen the week before the event. This will help the homeless to identify you as someone who really cares. In addition, it will raise their comfort level while attending Project Homeless Connect.
Acclamation Training: is for people who have not worked with the homeless before. This is not mandatory but you will be informed on the do’s and don’ts of working with homeless people. This will take the place the week before the event.
RSVP: Africah Harrigan, officer of Community Relations: viypn@hotmail.com
