Homelessness is an endemic issue on our island, and according to the latest homeless count, the number of homeless families in Guam is growing. Stepping-up to the plate to aid this community is the Guam Homeless Coalition.

It's that time of the year when the Guam Homeless Coalition hosts the annual Passport to Services event, which is geared toward homeless families and individuals and aims to educate them about services in the community.

Program manager Holly Rustick said, "The homeless come and they basically have a little passport where they go around to each station or each service provider to get information about the services, because, you know, we're always expanding our services and growing." According to last year's homeless count, there are over 150 homeless households - including children. The Guam Homeless Coalition aims to cater to these households by providing on-the-spot services, including immunizations, haircuts, and more.

Rustick added, "GCC will also be doing health checks, so chronic screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, and then Westcare Pacific will be doing HIV/STD testing. So it's a great event for them just to come down and receive some immediate services as well as find out about more long-term services."

One long-term service provider that will be featured at the event is Sagan Mami, whose program facilitator, Dolores Tayan, told KUAM News, "Sagan Mami is an enrichment and drop-in center for persons with serious mental illnesses." Sagan Mami provides mentoring and therapeutic groups, but it is just one service provider at the event. Participants will also be given clothes, canned goods, and a hot served lunch.

"We just encourage everyone to come down and just to be a part of this event," said Rustick. "Any kind of donation, monetary donations, are also appreciated for the Guam Homeless Coalition."

Passport to Services will take place across from the Jullale Center in Anigua On Friday, June 26, from 9am to 3pm.