2009 Indy Homeless Connect

2009 Indy Homeless Connect
Mayor Ballard urges community to help homeless neighbors

The City of Indianapolis and the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) will announce Tuesday the upcoming 2009 Indy Homeless Connect, which will serve hundreds of homeless individuals and families.

What: Indy Homeless Connect Press Conference

When: Tuesday, March 10, 2009
3:00 p.m.

Scheduled Remarks:
Timothy C. Joyce, CHIP Executive Director
Mayor Greg Ballard
Matthew Hammond, Connect Success Story

Where: Dayspring Center
1537 Central Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46202


Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, his wife Winnie, and Sharon O'Brien, wife of Indiana Pacers head coach and CHIP board member Jim O'Brien, will serve as the honorary co-chairs for the fourth annual event. On Tuesday, Mayor Ballard will ask for volunteers and monetary donations towards Connect in order to provide daily hygiene supplies, a snack, and a bus pass for follow-up referrals for every individual.

"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.

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.

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