This organization of individual members and volunteers has been operating since January 2017 and attempting to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness in our community, one on one as well as in group settings. Our mission statement reads: Providing for the physical and spiritual needs of our community’s homeless, with dignity and compassion, one person at a time.

Several homeless community dinners were held at various locations, mostly churches, in addition our volunteers assisted in two Point in Time homeless population counts, brought food, water, clothing, blankets and hygiene kits to those individuals, assisted with transportation to various facilities as well promoting the idea of pantry food and water containers in various locations around the area with 24/7 access.

The Homeless Coalition has embarked on a challenging project attempting to connect those experiencing homelessness with various agencies and services for assistance, all in one location and at the same time. Maranantha Baptist Church has graciously agreed to allow our group the use of their facilities to gather on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., to provide these services as well as a free hot meal for the homeless. Local businesses, community members and churches have donated items and/or given contributions for this event as well as for our ongoing program. A group at the college is having a sock drive for the event

But additional donations are still very much needed as the transient population lifestyle does not include saving or storage of items. We are trying to encourage the use of backpacks to address this issue, so this is a donation item priority. As cold weather approaches, needed items include jackets and coats, beanies, scarves, thermals, blankets and shoes. To assemble the travel-size hygiene kits, quart-size zip lock baggies are perfect. Volunteers use paper lunch sacks or gallon zip lock bags for individual meals.

If you, your company or organization would like to help the Homeless Coalition efforts by donation any of the items listed above (or any other item of use) or with a cash donation, your offering will make a difference in our community. Thank you for your consideration and thank you for any and all contributions you have already made. The Homeless Coalition of Cobre Valley is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) tax exempt corporation.

The Coalition meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month at Divine Grace Presbyterian Church in Miami at 5:30 p.m. and members, volunteers and guests are always welcome and encouraged to share ideas. The Homeless Connect event committee is meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 17 and Tuesday, Oct. 23 in the conference room at the Globe-Miami Chamber at 6 p.m. to finalize the Nov. 3, Homeless Connect event and recruit volunteers.

Please contact Barbara at 928-701-1339 or Tim at 928-961-3141 for additional information.