Visitors to Branson praise the hospitality of this community. What they may not know is that some of Branson’s population—including some who are in the workforce—are living in motel rooms they rent by the week or in the woods around town. And among that population are children.
On Sept. 24, Branson’s hospitality will be extended to the estimated 400 individuals and families who are without suitable housing in Taney County. The Governor’s Committee to End Homelessness will sponsor “Project Homeless Connect” at the United Methodist Church on Missouri 76. Representatives from about two dozens non-profit agencies will be there to offer services to those who attend.
Branson Salvation Army is serving as the host agency, accepting donations and signing up volunteers, said Capt. Jody Dalberg. The people they hope to reach “could be three days away from being on the street,” he said. “They have enough to pay for a night here or there, but hotel life is not a life adults or children should be living. It’s a shelter. It’s not housing.”
John Presley is chairman of the volunteer committee. “As we all know, Branson has a large number of people living in weekly rentals,” Presley said. “The goal of this event is to provide people with a central place and time to meet with area agencies to get the services and documents they need.”
For the past four years, volunteers for Church Army Branson have conducted Point In Time counts in Taney County, identifying people living outside or in motels. Last summer, they found 304 individuals. This winter, the count was 248. This year, they are developing methods that will result in a more accurate assessment, said Michelle Harllee with Church Army.
The Governor’s Committee to End Homelessness covers 101 rural counties in Missouri, said Jenni Miller, Community Initiatives Coordinator for the Missouri Housing Development Commission. The first Project Homeless Connect was held last year in Columbia.
“But Branson’s are the highest numbers in the state, so that’s why Project Homeless Connect is coming to Branson,” Miller said.
“Some lack a car, a job or even necessary documents,” Presley said. “Everyone is interested in getting people out of the situation. Some might need veterans’ assistance, or mental health help or maybe just a birth certificate, and they’ll be able to get that help right there.”
“What’s needed now is about 100 volunteers to help at the event,” Presley said.
“That may not be easy. Some people may be leery about volunteering, but these are mostly genuine people down on their luck. I’ve already got about a dozen people living in motels who want to help. The goal is to have a guide for each person who comes in the door.”
Volunteers also are needed for registration, handing out items to participants and helping with meal service. Another committee will provide transportation from hotels.
Disclaimer: BroadcastBranson.com is a service for the distribution of press releases, news and events. BroadcastBranson.com does not verify the validity or accuracy of the contents of the news that it distributes. Users are responsible for the contents of the press releases they submit to BroadcastBranson.com and the distribution via our service does not imply endorsement. BroadcastBranson.com takes no responsibility and holds no liabilities for information distributed.