Patchogue , NY – August 10, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Taking another major step in his quest to end homelessness countywide in the next 10 years, County Executive Steve Levy hosted his second Stand Up for the Homeless on Wednesday, August 5, and was able to provided goods and services to over 550 of Suffolk’s neediest.
Following up on last year’s inaugural Stand Up for the Homeless in which 500 individuals were brought together with 50 government and non-profit agencies providing them with goods, services and vital information, Levy brought the event to St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue and increased the duration from four hours to six hours.
“This event exceeded our wildest expectations,” Levy said to the 263 volunteers and 554 homeless individuals gathered at the college. “We want everyone to know that if they need a hand Suffolk County, and the many great not-for-profit organizations in our communities, are there to extend it unconditionally.”
The event was again coordinated by the County Executive’s office, county agencies and a wide range of community service and religious organizations throughout the county. Of the 263 volunteers, more than 100 were county employees, Levy noted. Those individuals without a ride were brought to and from the event on vans supplied by several agencies including the towns of Huntington and Islip, United Veterans, Peconic Community Council, and the Boys and Girls’ Club.
Once at the gymnasium of St. Joseph’s College, each individual was provided with a volunteer to personally escort them around the event and partake in any and every service needed. Levy noted that the routine blood pressure and health screenings resulted in one attendee being transported to the hospital for immediate care.
Other services provided by the 71 agencies in attendance included haircuts, manicures and dental screenings; and food, diapers, toys and school supplies were just some of the items individuals took away from the event.
Perhaps more valuable though, was the help each person could receive from the 71 agencies in attendance. Suffolk Health Plan provided assistance applying for and receiving health insurance, Suffolk County Department of Labor provided employment information, while Dress for Success helped attendees attain the self-confidence to receive employment. Several agencies such as Nassau-Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless and HELP Suffolk provided housing assistance on both a short-term and long-term need basis.
Levy added, “These are services that are not only available during big events like this; they’re available everyday.”
Stand Up Second to None: Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy greets Lions Club members Zone Commissioner Louise Ebert and District Governor Lorri Kerzner at his second annual Stand Up for the Homeless at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue. Over 550 homeless individuals received food, clothing, haircuts, health and dental screenings, and important information from the over 70 agencies in attendance.
