Politics & Government

Homelessness Addressed During Project Connect Event

New City of Concord initiative aims to gather donations while discouraging panhandling .

Contra Costa Health Services and the city of Concord teamed up today to support the county's homeless population and launch a new program aimed at getting the homeless off the streets.

Homeless individuals were encouraged to stop by today's "Project Homeless Connect," a one-day event sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services that provides free health and social services and legal assistance, a county health spokesman said.

The annual event coincided with the launch of Concord's "Change 4 Real Change" program, designed to help fund local homeless services while discouraging panhandling.

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"We recognize that many people are sympathetic with the plight of the homeless. However, the common practice of giving money directly to the homeless is all too often counterproductive," Concord Mayor Ron Leone said in a statement.

"When we give money directly to the homeless, we are enabling them to stay on our streets instead of encouraging them to seek the help that so many of them need," Leone said.

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Locals are encouraged to buy a $5 book of five vouchers from Concord retailers -- with each voucher good for transportation to a homeless shelter and a hot meal -- and give the coupons to homeless people instead of spare change.

Concord residents can also deposit coins or cash in "Change 4 Real Change" collection jars throughout town, county healthy officials said.

Doug Steward of Central County Homeless Outreach said the program is a long-term strategy to help the homeless find a path out of their current situation.

"Homeless people asking for spare change often collect just enough to stay on the street," he said. "The longer they stay on the street, the less likely it is that they will get a job or find a permanent home."

Steward said those who stay homeless are more likely to frequent emergency rooms and to have significantly shorter life spans than non-homeless people.

Today's Project Homeless Event Connect wrapped up at 3 p.m. at the Willow Pass Center at 2748 East Olivera Road in Concord. More information about Contra Costa County homeless services can be found at http://cchealth.org/services/homeless/.

- Bay City News Service


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