Madison County seeks to bolster services to homeless

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is set to connect persons experiencing homeless with services and goods later this month.

Madison County will hold its 10th annual Project Homeless Connect from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30, at The River of Life Family Church, 3401 Fosterburg Road, Alton. The program counts the number of homeless persons — men, women and children — throughout the county and provides free services.

David Harrison, homeless services manager with Madison County Community Development said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires local agencies to conduct a survey every year to determine the number of homeless. The results from the homeless connect are used to help determine grant funding for Community Development.

Madison County Partnership to End Homelessness, which is comprised of more than 40 agencies and individuals, will provide a wide range of services to those literally homeless and persons experiencing a housing crisis.

“There will be services available to include everything from access to housing and jobs to a free meal and haircuts,” Harrison said.

More than 100 volunteers and service providers will be present to assist in the distribution of food, beverages and clothing. Representatives will also provide a wide-range of services that include substance abuse and mental health counseling, legal services, employment assistance and other social services. Those attending will also have the opportunity to receive medical exams, HIV/AIDS screening and other health services.

Harrison said that last year there were 176 homeless persons counted in Madison County and 40 percent were children.

Rides to the event are free. Call the Salvation Army at (618) 465-7764 or visit one of the following pick-up sites to reserve a ride for 9 a.m. or noon.

ALTON: The Salvation Army at 525 Alby St., River of Life Church, 3401 Fosterburg Road or Centerstone, 2615 Edwards St.

COLLINSVILLE: Collinsville Township Senior Center at 420 E. Main St. or St. John’s EUCC, 307 W. Clay St.

COTTAGE HILLS: Community Hope Center, 1201 Hope Center Lane

EDWARDSVILLE: Main Street Community Center, 1003 N. Main St.

GRANITE CITY: Chestnut Mainstay at 1218 19th St., DHS Granite City at 1925 Madison Ave. or Chestnut Health Systems, 50 Northgate Industrial Drive.

WOOD RIVER: Riverbend Family Ministries, 131 E. Ferguson Ave.

For more information or to volunteer, email mlcastillo@co.madison.il.us, or visit the Madison County Partnership to End Homelessness Facebook page.