Event offers renewed hope for Milwaukee's homeless



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Every night in Milwaukee County, there are at least 1,500 people who are homeless. That's according to the latest homeless count. But now, some renewed hope for some who are struggling to get back on their feet.

"Not knowing that he wasn`t stable, I got caught in his twist," said Lee Hamer.

Hamer has not always been homeless, but when his nephew fell on hard times and had no place to live, neither did he.

"Some people fall into alcohol, drugs, depression, suicide... so I am trying to keep a sense of humor and find resources that will help me," said Hamer.

Hamer and more than 300 others are at the Milwaukee County's Project Homeless Connect event. It's a one-stop shop fair for everything a homeless person, or someone at risk of becoming homeless, could need. Free clothes, free vision and dental screenings, even a job fair.

Local shelters and other community outreach groups spread the word to those in need.

"Our outreach people, our vans go out where they are finding the homeless, under the viaducts, under the bridges, anywhere where they come into contact with the homeless community," said Nancy Monarrez with the Homeless Balance Information System.

In Hamer's case, the shelter he is at helped him get to the event, and after a vision screening, he is getting a new pair of glasses. It's the little things he says, that will help him get a fresh starts.

"I`m trying to recover and get back on my feet," said Hamer.

All the vendors and community organizations donate their time for the event.