Happy Last GWB State of the Union Speech

January 28, 2008 in 2008 Election, George W. Bush

by jhwygirl

Just had to say it, and damned if that doesn’t feel good.

Homelessness Awareness Week in Missoula

January 28, 2008 in homelessness, Missoula, Veterans

by jhwygirl

For the second time in as many years, the At-Risk Housing Coalition (ARHC) will hold its annual Project Homeless Connect event on January 31st, 2008.

The At-Risk Housing Coalition was formed by Women’s Opportunity and Resource Development (WORD) in 1993 to initiate a community-wide program to address and bring awareness to our community’s homeless citizens.

On Thursday, Project Homeless Connect will provide a variety of essential services for Missoula’s homeless citizens in one location – services like food, clothing, housing, medical and dental services, mental health counseling, financial services, employment and education, and senior, legal and disability services.

Project Homeless Connect is supported by not only the City of Missoula and Missoula County, but also 50 local agencies and over 150 volunteers.

In conjunction with the event, ARHC will also conduct a survey. Last year the results were shocking:

551 homeless in Missoula
Over half were families with children
33% were employed
53% either rented an apartment or owned a home prior to being homeless
1/2 had lived in Missoula at least 2 years
20% had lived in Missoula all their lives

Veteran’s make up a large portion of homeless people – 25% nationwide. 89% are honorably discharged. 64% served in Vietnam and after, and 67% served 3 or more years in the service. Montana has over 100,000 veterans, ranking 10th per capita in the nation. Needless to say, you can not speak of homelessness without thinking of veterans.

January 31st falls darn near the middle of winter, folks. Those facts are shocking and sad.

Tonight, showing the city’s commitment to addressing homeless issues in Missoula, the Mayor will proclaim this week Homelessness Awareness Week.

If you can offer services or can help with volunteering this Thursday, contact the ARHC coordinator at 258-4650.