CSUSM to Host Homeless Connect

Partnering with the Alliance for Regional Solutions, a coalition of North County organizations focused on solving community needs, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) will host Homeless Connect on campus on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering critical resources, referrals and onsite services for hundreds of homeless individuals and families. The one day event will serve to connect those who are facing homelessness with more than 30 area service providers, in addition to access to counselors, available shelter programs, nonperishable food, clothing and various free services including health and dental screenings, legal services and haircuts. Homeless Connect is the first time a large-scale resource event for the homeless has been coordinated in North County in nearly a decade.More than 200 CSUSM students are registered to volunteer for Homeless Connect as part of the President's Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge. Volunteers will assist with intake, childcare, food and donation distributions and student nurses will provide health screenings including blood pressure check-ups and diabetes testing.“The ability to bring so many resources together in one location serving so many people over such a wide region is proof of how of effective a strong collaboration can be in a community,” said Don Stump, president of the Alliance for Regional Solutions.  Several student organizations, campus departments and the Greek community have organized collection drives men’s and women’s gently used outerwear and nonperishable food. Survival kits have also been packed, complete with hygiene items, a warm blanket, new socks and first aid supplies and will be distributed at the event.What: In partnership with the Alliance for Regional Solutions, CSUSM will host Homeless Connect, a one day resource and services event for the homeless.When: Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011 at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: California State University San Marcos333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road, San MarcosThe M. Gordon Clarke Field House/ University Student UnionAbout California State University San MarcosCalifornia State University San Marcos combines the ambiance of a mid-sized, personal, modern campus with the unequaled value of the California State University. Since its founding in 1989, the campus has distinguished itself. Students benefit from the latest facilities and equipment, a superb faculty that enjoys teaching, and a rigorous academic program that prepares students for a successful life in and out of the workplace. A recent survey reported that our annual spending in the region was $161 million, generating a total impact of $307 million on the regional economy. 85 percent of CSUSM’s alumni stay in the region. CSU San Marcos is located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos. It is fifteen miles east of the ocean; just thirty miles north of downtown San Diego.