Outreach event aids 500 Suffolk homeless

More than 500 Suffolk homeless adults and children were provided with free haircuts, dental screenings and a chance to chat with community social service agencies at "Stand up for the Homeless," an expo-like event held Tuesday at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue.

The event, in its fifth year, is hosted by the Suffolk County Department of Social Services as a way of connecting homeless residents with about 70 community groups that help the homeless with housing and job training.

"If nothing else this event is about outreach," said Suffolk Social Services Commissioner Gregory J. Blass. "These are families and individuals living in fear. They may not seek help because they have misconceptions that there are harsh strings attached."

There are about 2,468 homeless individuals in Suffolk, according to a 2012 survey conducted by the Long Island Homeless Coalition, a nonprofit advocacy group. Suffolk's social services department currently shelters 448 homeless families, and 232 single-adults in more than 50 county contracted shelters, according to the county.

Yolanda Aponte, 38, of Nesconset, brought her four sons to the event to receive school supplies. The family has been living in a shelter for the past six months after Aponte's husband suffered a work-related injury, leaving him unable to work.

"We're trying to find a way out, but it doesn't seem like the system is set up to help families like ours," Aponte said.

Haircuts were provided by We Care Ministries, a volunteer organization founded by Bay Shore resident Carleen Lawrence.

"They're not things that can save a person, but they can encourage them and let them know people care," Lawrence said.