To the editor:
On behalf of Continuum of Care, I would like to extend heartfelt
thanks to all who helped make this year's Homeless Connect a success.
A total of 229 people attended the Nov. 17 event, an increase of
42 percent over the previous year. Sponsored by Continuum of Care and
coordinated by Midland Area Homes, the event was designed as a one-day,
one-stop gateway to help Midland County's homeless residents and those
at risk of losing their homes.
We are grateful to the twenty-eight agencies that had
representatives present to assist attendees.
We especially want to thank First United Methodist Church, which
generously made its building available; to Hidden Harvest, which provided food for attendees to take home, and Open Door, which provided lunch.
Particular thanks is due also to the many volunteer workers, and
to individuals and churches that donated items to give away.
Thanks as well to those elected officials who took time from
busy schedules to serve at the event: Midland Mayor Maureen Donker and
City Council member J. Dee Brooks; Midland County Commissioners Rose
Marie McQuaid and Richard Keenan; State Rep. Jim Stamas, and Circuit
Court Judge Michael Beale.
We are grateful to 360 Main Street and the Midland Daily News
for publicizing the event.
Homelessness is a real and growing problem in Midland County.
Homeless Connect, in its fourth year this year, is an important part of
the struggle to prevent and alleviate the problem in all its forms.
Thanks again to all who helped.
Sharon Mortensen
Chair
Midland County Continuum of Care
Photo by Steven McDonald