The Connection is located at 414 E. 6th St. Our campus has the shelter, a thrift store, and a greenhouse that we're using to produce tomatoes and other vegetables. Stop in any time for a look around--it's a nice tribute to the generosity of so many organizations and people who make it possible. Contact us at 308.532.5050 or 308.532.3863.

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Whom do We Serve?

We initially welcome anyone except unaccompanied children under the age of 18. A quick intake and pre-screen then includes a criminal background check done by the State Patrol, a UA drug test, a breath test for alcohol if appropriate, and first impressions regarding mental health. Results of those tests and observations determine if a person may stay overnight, and under what conditions. The current shelter is not equipped to deal with those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, nor with the severely mentally ill. In those cases, we refer to other service providers and do what we can to find more appropriate facilities or resources. We consistently bend over backwards to help whomever we can, even if they do not really fit our "criteria."

"Thank You For my Room"

The Connection has six apartments for families with children. Not long ago we helped a family that had been forced out of their apartment due to rampant black mildew and other health issues. They brought with them a 4-year old girl as cute as a bug's ear. One afternoon while her parents were doing other things, she hung out in the office with one of our staff. Spontaneously she looked up at him and said, "Thank you for my room." It melted his heart, and it should melt yours. The shelter is here because of your big hearts, and is here to serve you.

The Connection

Our mission is to provide the basic needs of the homeless and help each one move a step closer to home.

The Connection provides housing to about 325 clients a year. "Emergency" stays are for a few days or weeks and are designed to address urgent needs. "Transitional" stays are up to 2 years, for those who are willing to stay put long enough to build a foundation for a better future.

The single men's quarters accomodate up to 18 men in a dormitory setting and 7 in private bedrooms. The single women's area accomodates up to 3 women in dorm beds and 4 in private bedrooms. There are 6 apartments to serve families with children. Services include a warm, secure place to spend the night, a hearty breakfast and supper each day and proactive case management. The latter is an effort to help our clients face up to the issues that are contributing to their homelessness, deal with those issues and move on into appropriate housing.

We encourage long stays, since the only real way to stop homelessness is to stop the homeless. Those who are constantly on the move do not generally have the motivation, resources or networks necessary to build a solid foundation for the future. Our goal is to provide a sort of trusted "family" for those who are willing to stay put for a while and slowly rebuild their lives.

 
Sat, January 28, 2012

Wanted: Exec. Director

The Connection is looking for a new Executive Director. Please click on Exec Director Search above to get more details.

Visit the Thrift Connection

The Thrift Connection, on the east side of our campus at 422 E. 6th, offers a wide variety of treasures at unbelievably low prices. Clothing, kitchenware, appliances, furniture, games, toys and so much more.

Donating items to the thrift store is a stress free way to pass on things that you are no longer using. Unlike a garage sale, donations can be made a little at a time as you sort and clean. If you like, we will happily give you a tax receipt for your donation.

Thanks to our great volunteers, all of the proceeds go directly to The Connection Homeless Shelter and are a major source of our operations budget. Call 308.534.7634 to volunteer or get more information.

Help the Panhandlers

If you'd like to make a real difference in panhandler's lives, the best way is to hook them up with trustworthy service providers. There are several of those in North Platte, but probably the easiest way to get them started is to send them to The Connection homeless shelter or The Salvation Army. From there, we can refer them to the most appropriate places to get help.

Shelter Blog

Transient thoughts about homelessness and the homeless.