1,800 expected at Mpls. event for homeless

Hennepin County officials expect more than 1,800 people to attend the 14th Project Homeless Connect at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Monday.

More than 125 agencies are participating. County Commissioner Gail Dorfman said the daylong event is a one-stop shop for people who need to connect with free services including housing, employment, medical care and legal advice.

"There's no government money in Project Homeless Connect," Dorfman said. "It's really been various levels of government and staff coming together along with the legal community, faith community, nonprofits and over a thousand volunteers who give their time at each Project Homeless Connect event to basically help people navigate all these systems."

Dorfman said more than 2,000 people came to the last Homeless Connect event in May.

"People can get connected to whatever services they need," she said, "whether they're looking for eyeglasses or dental care or women who need mammography. They can access a state ID; they can talk to people about housing opportunities and employment opportunities; and also get a haircut."

Child care will be available, Dorfman said.

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