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Flagstaff community reaches out to homeless
By Catherine E. Hanley, The Catholic Sun
February 7, 2008
FLAGSTAFF — The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s local conference hosted more than 200 homeless people Jan. 26 during a community outreach event at St. Pius X Chapel Hall.
Coconino Continuum of Care, an informal association of community providers brought together by Catholic Charities, provided services to those challenged by the harsh winter weather through Project Homeless Connect.
Some 170 volunteers partnered with local government officials, non-profit organizations and the private sector to provide health and social services for a day.
“It’s simply amazing to realize what is being accomplished here,” said Patricia DiMatteo, a volunteer with the project.
“It’s the smiles you see all around you — people are happy to be here,” she said. “They are in control and receiving what they need with dignity and respect.”
If a guest required continuing care, volunteers scheduled a follow-up appointment.
Elizabeth Savage, volunteer coordinator, said that one of the key components of the program is to match each guest with a volunteer guide. After completing an intake form, guides helped guests navigate their way through the services.
Carol and Larry Moyzes said they got a lot out of serving as volunteers.
Larry helped Robert, a war veteran who has been homeless for several years tend to his frostbitten foot.
“Accompanying him to the appropriate on-site service where he could receive care made all the difference in the world to him,” Larry said. “He became hopeful.”
“We just take too much for granted,” Carol said.
After she and her guest, Joseph, completed their round of services, she gave him a hug while saying good-bye. With tears in his eyes, he said, “I can’t remember the last time someone gave me a hug.”
Christina Mencuccini, the project’s public relations coordinator, noted Fr. Patrick Mowrer’s servant attitude. The pastor of San Francisco de Asís Parish offered the chapel hall for the community outreach.
“His downright compassion and promise to our community is unmatched. He not only opened every room but he participated and got his hands dirty with the rest of us,” she said. “While distributing hand warmers, Fr. Pat met, shook hands or gave a hug to every homeless person here.”
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