Homeless get a helping hand

FLINT (WJRT) -- (11/12/09) -- If you're homeless, it can be difficult to get the help you need or to even know where you should look.

Today in Flint, several organizations came together help simplify that process.

They call it Project Homeless Connect. Hundreds of people who don't have a place to stay dropped by Carriage Town Ministries to register for help.

Jameca Patrick-Singleton is from Metro Community Development.  "We're seeing people who never had to access services before. We're seeing people who last year made $60,000 and now they don't have a job. It's definitely a growing problem. It's a community problem."

There are an estimated 3,000 homeless people in Genesee County. During the past few weeks, various agencies and ministries spread the word about today's event. People were promised hot food, warm clothes and a chance to connect with agencies like Hamilton Community Health Network and Shelter of Flint.

"It shocked me. I had no idea how many people were out there homeless right now. That inspired me to get involved," said Scott Jones from KMG Prestige, a low-income housing provider.

One of the people helping is actually homeless himself. Mike Shields moved here from New York City. He now spends his nights in a van with his dog. "I was supposed to have a job lined up working in computer repair, and the gentleman went out of business just after I got here. So here I am."

Shields says he appreciates all that's being offered at Project Homeless Connect. "When there are people who need help, it's good to know there's someone you can turn to."

"This is all new to me. It's beautiful, it's wonderful. It's God given. It's amazing. It's a blessing," said Brandi Donovan, who has been homeless since May.

The event was paid for by a grant from the State of Michigan.

Flint is also taking part in what's being billed as one of the largest food drives ever in a 24-hour period. The event may qualify for the Guinness Book of World Records.

Around the nation today, food is being collected for the Helping Hands Across America program.

Locally, dining services at U of M-Flint is serving as drop off point for the food drive. The non-perishable food items will be donated to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

Bill Frank is with U of M-Flint. "A lot of groups throughout the college either want to donate money or they just want to do a food drive and bring in, clean out their pantries and stuff, and bring in their own food to help us be successful."

Donated food was accepted at U of M-Flint until 5 Thursday afternoon.

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homeless, flint, food pantry, university of michigan, local, randy conat

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