Project Connect brings services to those in need

La Crosse residents rallied to put roofs over the heads of the community with the annual Homeless Connect held Thursday.

Each July, Homeless Connect helps those who are struggling with housing meet resources they may need such as housing, veteran, or employer services. They also provide meals, massages, foot and hair care for guests who visit the event at the La Crosse Center.

Becky Koske, assistant director of housing and community services department at Coulee Cap, is a member of the Homeless Connect planning committee. According to Koske, Coulee Cap counted 42 people in La Crosse Thursday morning who were without shelter for at least 24 hours. She said that number could be misleading if they missed people in the area.

“Homelessness or housing instability can be very overwhelming,” Koske said. “It is hard to decide which need to tackle first. Sometimes if you can see a warm, friendly face that can help walk you through the process, hopefully, it can be very helpful for people.”

Koske said they hoped to provide those who came with the connections they need to find shelter before cold weather hits in Wisconsin.

“Sometimes it is just a matter of putting a name to a face,” Koske said. “There are a lot of agencies represented. Hopefully, now they know somebody or at least they have a name they can connect with and get the services they need.”

The event had almost 40 vendors, nearly twice as many as the year prior. Koske said they see people of all ages and backgrounds and even families who struggle with homelessness. They served more than 200 people at the event.