2009 Homeless Connect

2009 Homeless Connect

Indianapolis Mayor Gregory A. Ballard, his wife Winnie, and Sharon O'Brien, wife of Indiana Pacers head coach Jim O'Brien, will serve as the honorary co-chairs for the fourth annual event.

Indianapolis - The City of Indianapolis and the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (Coalition) announced today that the 2009 Indy Homeless Connect will be held on Friday, March 20, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center.

What: Fourth Annual Indy Homeless Connect

When: Friday, March 20, 2009
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where:Indiana Convention Center, Hall B
100 South Capitol Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, his wife Winnie, and Sharon O'Brien, wife of Indiana Pacers head coach and Coalition board member Jim O'Brien, will serve as the honorary co-chairs for the fourth annual event.

"Indianapolis is full of compassionate people who come together to pick up their neighbors and help those who need it most," said Mayor Ballard. "Indy Homeless Connect is about coming together for the greater good, and we're very excited to take part in this important event."

This one-day event offers dozens of core services to homeless clients such as acute medical care, food, mental health counseling, legal advice, employment guidance, and housing assistance - all under one roof. Indy Homeless Connect also provides non-essential "extra care" services, like free phone calls, massages, books, and haircuts.

"Indy Homeless Connect is not only about connecting homeless and near-homeless individuals with services, but also about connecting the community at large to the issue of homelessness," said Timothy C. Joyce, Executive Director of the Coalition. "This event assists hundreds of people in need, and it only can take place with the help of all the volunteers and service providers."

Last year, more than 450 volunteers and 50 organizations served the needs of over 600 homeless neighbors. Residents, businesses, service providers or charitable organizations interested in volunteering or making donations to Indy Homeless Connect should visit www.chipindy.org or call (317) 472-7640.

To date, Gold sponsors include Clarian Health, and Silver sponsors include WellPoint, Inc. and HardingPoorman Group.

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For more information, contact:
Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, Emily Hervey (317) 472-7640
City of Indianapolis, Jessica Higdon (317) 327-3649