The Greater Gallatin Homeless Action Coalition (GGHAC), is presenting its eighth annual Community Connect event. GGHAC consists of service providers, non-profit organizations, local business owners and concerned citizens committed to ending homelessness in Gallatin County. Community Connect is a collaboration between Project Homeless Connect and Veteran Stand Down. The Veteran Stand Down was customarily held in June to serve homeless Veterans in our area. However because of the need to serve Veterans during our cold winter months, and because of GGHAC’s strong ties to the Veteran Stand Down, the two events were merged to provide the best possible service to those in need.
Community Connect is a free, one-stop shop for low-income community members. Individuals and families can attend and receive free services in one location including wellness exams, housing applications, haircuts, and many more services. 2016’s Community Connect will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30st from 9am to 2pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 26 W. Babcock, Bozeman.
Nationally, Project Homeless Connect is considered a “best practice” in efforts to impact homelessness. Each year the number of participants grows and the demographic of participants becomes increasingly diverse. According to GGHAC co-coordinator Jenna Londynsky, “Last year, we served nearly 250 community members. Many left with new shoes, gas cards, and thrift store vouchers. Our services continue to improve each year in order to meet the needs of our neighbors.”
Veteran Stand Down is a nationally recognized effort to help veterans and their families, connect to resources at the community level. Approximately twenty percent of homeless individuals in Gallatin County are veterans. Last year’s Stand Down brought in a crowd of 339 seeking services, according to Chuck Reneviere, the organizer of the previous two Stand Downs.
Community Connect is made possible by sponsorship from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation, the Gilhousen Family Foundation, the United Way, and Vietnam Veterans for America.
The following organizations and businesses have volunteered their time and support to Community Connect: Human Resources Development Council, The Gallatin Empire Lions Club, LensCrafters, Pro Chiropractic, Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, Community Health Partners, Gallatin Mental Health Center, Alcohol and Drug Services, Gallatin County Health Department, Montana Physical Therapy, Dentistry from the Heart, HAVEN, Family Promise, the Help Center, Gallatin Valley Food Bank, Bozeman Public Schools, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Volunteers of America, the Bozeman Job Service, the Office of Public Assistance, Gallatin Valley Human Resources, Montana Vocational Rehabilitation, Love INC, the Salvation Army, the Academy of Cosmetology, Foothills Veterinary Hospital, Montana State University, Hopa Mountain, Americorps VISTA, Vietnam Veterans of America, the office of Senator Steve Daines, and the office of Senator John Tester.
