College Hosts Fifth Annual Event for Homeless

July 31, 2012

PATCHOGUE, NY AUGUST 1, 2012 St. Josephs College is pleased to announce that it will provide a venue for the fifth annual Stand Up for the Homeless event, sponsored by the Office of the Suffolk County Executive, on Tuesday, August 14 in the John A. Danzi Athletic Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on its Long Island Campus. This is the fourth year the event will be held at the College.

The annual Stand Up for the Homeless event allows individuals in attendance to gain access to free services and products offered by a number of non-profit and government agencies, all in one location. Services that will be provided include health and dental screenings, housing and shelter placement, employment opportunities, free haircuts, a clothing drive and public assistance counseling. The blood pressure and health screenings that were provided at previous events resulted in a handful of attendees receiving vital, immediate care they may have otherwise not received.

"Stand Up for the Homeless is a one day event, but the connections made with service providers, realtors and others assist those in attendance with some immediate needs as well as can help to reduce their homelessness by many months, said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. "This annual event has a most positive effect on many distressed families and individuals. I am proud that Suffolk County, along with St. Josephs College and participating not-for-profit agencies, have continued to collaborate and organize this event to serve the needs of the homeless.

Long Island Cares and Island Harvest will provide bags of food for guests to take with them. Free transportation to and from the event will be supplied throughout the day at 10 different locations around the county.

Suffolk County Department of Social Services Chief Deputy Commissioner Gregory Blass and Deputy Commissioner John O'Neil will both be in attendance as representatives from the county to show support for Long Islands homeless. Last year, more than 250 volunteers came out to assist at the event and more than 75 organizations offered free services to visitors. For more information or to volunteer, please call 631.854.9748.