(AP Images)On Thursday, January 29, the Homeless Coalition of Jasper and Newton Counties sponsored “Project Homeless Connect” in Joplin. The goal of the event, held at Salvation Army, is to connect homeless people with essential services. Services available include housing connections, employment information, mental health services, medical services, treatment services, legal aid and more. Dustin Shipman of the Children's Haven told NewsTalk KZRG that his organization provides home for children and help for families. Smith says at this time there are approximately 231 people who are considered homeless in Jasper and Newton Counties.