Project Homeless Connect originated in San Francisco in 2004 when Mayor Gavin Newsome challenged his county workers to create a better system of care for the homeless community. The one-day service model they created proved extremely effective and since its inception Project Homeless Connect has spread to more than 220 cities in 3 different countries. The federal government’s Interagency Counci
l on Homelessness has declared Project Homeless Connect a national best practice model and in May of 2009, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Sean Donovan expressed interest in showcasing Project Homeless Connect as a best practice for national service as part of the recently signed Service Act. In order to provide an integrated system of care Project Homeless Connect focuses on each aspect of homelessness, providing everything from California identification and disability benefits to clean socks and a warm meal. Hundreds of individuals, corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies provide PHC and its clients with services such as dental care, eyeglasses, family support, food, HIV testing, housing, hygiene products, medical care, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, SSI benefits, legal advice, California identification cards, voice mail, employment counseling, job placement, wheelchair repair, veterinary services, and more.
