Many Helping Hands

FROM THE OMAHA WORLD-HERALD

Omaha's first-ever Project Homeless Connect event was not only a comprehensive approach to the area's homeless problem. This praiseworthy effort also proved a moving experience for the hundreds of volunteers involved.

The recent event at the Kiewit Center on the Creighton University campus provided impressive assistance and services to the homeless. This worthy cause received support from numerous individuals and groups — nonprofit agencies, local businesses, health care providers, human resources professionals, legal experts, government employees, translators and volunteer groups. Also on hand were personal appearance specialists, including hair stylists and clothing providers.

The event was billed as a "one-stop shop" to connect the homeless with much-needed services in a supportive setting. The outpouring of community support from a variety of different resources deserves great praise.

Event coordinator Ed Shada said the event well exceeded expectations, particularly for its first go around in Omaha. "This community is phenomenal," he told The World-Herald. "We hope to do this on an annual basis and keep the momentum going. There were so many miracles. "It was a lot of work, but it was a lot less than I expected. It was a huge effort, but it was well worthwhile."

Shada said the event provided immediate and tangible benefits in housing assistance. Three people were able to receive housing right away, he said, adding that at least eight more people were expected to find a place to live the following week. Even more might find homes quickly, as the Omaha Housing Authority received 60 applications.

In a testament to the emotional outpouring, Shada shared reactions from some of the volunteers:

• A hair stylist had "an amazing time" and called the event the "experience of a lifetime — the most heartwarming experience that I've been a part of."
• One volunteer wrote, "It was interesting to me (to see) how little that people wanted. One gentleman wanted a tetanus shot — nothing more, nothing less. It felt great to get so much done in one day."
• A Creighton student noted that he "accomplished more in one day than he had in the past two years." Shada said another volunteer wasn't going to come but noted that she quickly assisted two people with much-needed services.

An additional benefit can come into view, Shada said, once homeless people are aided in finding jobs and places to live, filling identification documents and receiving English as a Second Language programs and literacy services. Such help can free up agencies to focus on more complex issues such as mental health and substance abuse.

Much work remains to help the homeless in the Omaha area, particularly in terms of the scarce city funding for day shelters. The community, however, has taken an important, progressive step in greatly assisting many of our less fortunate residents.