‘Heartwarming’: Project Connect Lincoln brings hope to hundreds experiencing homelessness

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Hundreds of people experiencing homelessness found a day of hope inside Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Project Connect Lincoln brought together close to 100 organizations, volunteers and health professionals — all working to provide essential services under one roof.

“Having so many people come down is just really heartwarming to know they’re making a difference for our community,” said Lee Heflebower, a coach with the Lincoln Homeless Coalition.

Heflebower said each person that walked in had their own story and each of them received a helping hand.

“Often times when people think of homelessness they think of a single guy downtown, and while we have some people who fit that image, the reality is that many people experiencing homelessness are working,” she said.

In its 14th year, Project Connect brought community groups to create a one-day, one-stop-shop for people at risk of homelessness.

“Our goal is to get people connected with the agencies so that they have those relationships throughout the year,” Heflebower said.

Each person is paired with a “navigator” — a volunteer who guides them through services, making sure no one has to face the day alone.

“Often times in the community people do not know all the services available to them,” said Kwame Gyafi, a member of the Malone Center. “It’s connecting people to their community.”

According to the Lincoln Homeless Coalition, more than 500 people in the city are homeless on any given night and about 2,300 people will experience homelessness over the course of a year.

“We’re seeing more and more people who are really struggling to make ends meet,” said Heflebower. “People, who maybe a couple of years ago could get by on their employment, are now struggling to pay rent, utilities and get groceries.”

Organizers said this kind of hope can change everything — even if it starts with just one conversation.