MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 9, 2011) - The 12th Project Homeless Connect - Minneapolis on Dec. 12 at the Minneapolis Convention Center is expected to draw more than 1,500 people who are homeless or near homeless. An estimated 1,000 volunteers and 400 service providers from 125 agencies will be on hand to help.

The event is a one-stop shop for people experiencing homelessness, connecting them to resources and services that can help end their cycle of homelessness.

Now, in its sixth year, Project Homeless Connect Minneapolis is one of 28 such events around the state. The first event attracted 500 people seeking help. The last event in May drew thousands, including many people who were impacted by the May 22 tornado in Minneapolis.

Project Homeless Connect is a nationally recognized best practice in ending the cycle of homelessness, said Cathy ten Broeke, the director of the City of Minneapolis Hennepin County Office to End Homelessness. Many guests who come for services leave the event feeling more hopeful that they can escape homelessness and they know that this community actually cares. They also often leave with things that actually help them escape homelessness; a line on a job, registration for a training program, long sought after benefits, and even occasionally keys to an apartment. This is a truly remarkable community, from the volunteers to the providers to the businesses who sponsor this work. They are all making a difference.

Contacts: Cathy ten Broeke, Project Homeless Connect: 612-596-1606

LuAnn Schmaus, Public Affairs: 612-348-7865