Hundreds of Homeless Helped by Volunteers

FROM WOWT

A warm meal or a safe place to sleep are just a few examples of what can mean so much to the homeless. However, Friday hundreds of volunteers came together to give even more.

It was all part of the second annual "Project Homeless Connect Omaha." There were about 300 homeless for last year’s event, and close to 450 this year. Some of that is being blamed on the economy.

There were about 700 volunteer helpers.

From medical exams, to a simple haircut, the volunteers donated their time to help the homeless.

Doug Cisar is one who came for help. "I'm glad I came out here, you know, met a lot of friendly people."

Cisar has been homeless for about two years, but now wants a change. "I'm hoping I'll find some kind of work, and I was helped with some food stamps, and I'm going to try to get a birth certificate."

All of that was done side by side with a volunteer "navigator," Sam Swerdfeger. "He's awesome, he has a great sense of humor, and he's just looking for some help."

Kremasha Townsell is also looking for help, while dealing with a full plate. "I have sickle cell anemia, I'm in and out of the hospital a lot, and I got three babies."

Townsell's main goal is to find a home for her family. "Be a mom, and do everything a mom's supposed to do, just to make them happy," she said.

Services offered included employment, education, housing, child care, and even a phone call to family.

Tim Sully works with the homeless everyday at the Sienna Francis House. "There are so many services that are gathered in one spot that can, literally help someone today."

Organizers say it's hard to see so many needing assistance, but they know it's needed.

"Someday I'd like to believe that we could actually end homelessness, today however, what we're doing is providing hope," said Ed Shada with Project Homeless Connect Omaha.

It appears the hard work is paying off.

"I'm very content, right now. I'm glad I came," said Townsell.

"Hopefully it will work out, something will work out," said Cisar.