Our common cause

On Oct. 25, the Triangle hosted the region's first Project Homeless Connect with events in Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill. As I visited each of the sites with Philip Mangano, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, I saw collaboration and the power of partnerships in action. As a key sponsor of Project Homeless Connect, I applaud the volunteers who worked countless hours setting up and planning the event. I commend the elected officials and everyday citizens who united for a common cause -- to connect people who are homeless to essential services in one location.

One gentleman I spoke with talked about the efficiency of having so many services in one place at one time. I saw a young mother who had recently moved to the region registering for the WIC program and getting a free car seat for her 2-year-old daughter. I met a veteran who just wanted a warm coat, a haircut and dental care. Most of all I saw compassion and the power of a caring community in action.

Thanks to the Triangle United Way Community Care Cabinet's vision and valuable partnerships, Project Homeless Connect was a success and a step in the right direction to achieving an important goal -- preventing and ending homelessness.

Craig Chancellor

President & CEO, Triangle United Way

Research Triangle Park