In its 5th year, and now with the support of Creighton University President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J., Project Homeless Connect Omaha has helped over 1500 of the area's homeless find housing, needed services, healthcare, hair styles and over 200 sets dentures. Over 2000 volunteers have committed their time to making this event one the most significant events in the metro's history for the homeless. The engagement and cooperation of public officials in municipal, county, and state government, as well as local business leaders has been remarkable in creating a cooperative service strategy that, as Mike Saklar Executive Director at Siena/Francis House put it, "initiates a first time action” for many of the area’s homeless.

This Year's Honorary Chairman is CeLann LaGreca.
CeLann has been tireless in her quest to assist many of the metro area’s populace who need help. Her commitment to these people has been significant and inspiring. Without her help we would not be in our 5th year and many homeless would still be living on the street. We are grateful for her support.

CeLann has been affiliated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska since 1981 and has held a variety of positions, currently serving as Vice President of Community Investment and Special Counsel to the CEO. In that role, she manages the company’s charitable giving program and the BlueHealth Advantage Wellness Grant Program for rural communities, working extensively with nonprofit organizations across Nebraska.

Much of her career at BCBSNE has been leading the areas of corporate communications and public relations, ultimately rising to the position of Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Brand Management, leading the corporations’ branding efforts for more than 20 years.

Past Chairs of Project Homeless Connect Omaha

• Father John P Schlegel, S.J., Former President of Creighton University
• Scott Bradley, President of Pinnacle Bank Omaha
• Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey
• Douglas County Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson

Comments
"He came to an event at Creighton called Project Homeless Connect, not knowing what to expect. Now the 35-year-old Omaha man has a place to live, 21 months of sobriety and a scholarship to Metro Community College, from the 2008 event, where he is studying to become a paramedic. He came back to the event this year as a volunteer."

"I was one of the first people at the event, I was one of the last to leave, and I accomplished more in one day than I had the last 2 years". – Homeless

"I was told by a service provider that they had begun coordinating and referring with another agency they met at the event. Neither was aware of the service provided by the other agency". Ed Shada, Executive Director

A special thanks to Sally Ganem, First Lady of Nebraska, the Iowa West Foundation for their support from the beginning in helping to make this all possible