MILWAUKEE — Marquette University joined forces with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County for their annual event, aimed at providing help and vital services to hundreds of underserved Milwaukee residents. 

Philip Gillet, one of the many attending on Thursday, got his haircut. 

It’s just one of the many free services offered on Marquette’s campus as part of Project Homelessness, a national initiative that provides resources to people experiencing homelessness. 

“Homelessness is an epidemic around the United States, and we should not judge people on who becomes homeless,” said Gillet. 

Gillet lost his home after a foot injury left him unable to work. 

Since July, he’s been living at Guest House, a nonprofit organization in the city that provides shelter for men in need. 

Gillet's goal is to find housing, which is one of the 80 services offered at the event. 

“We may go through some trials and tribulations,” said Gillet. “Mine’s being injured and unable to get in and out of my own place.”

Kelsey Otero, Marquette’s senior director of community engagement, expects more than 700 guests to come. 

“I love that we are able to open up campus to the broader Milwaukee community for this event,” said Otero. “It’s become an annual tradition. This year, we have more than 100 faculty, staff and students here helping out. They really provide a welcoming environment, so that everyone can come here and feel welcome.”

It’s a simple gesture, but for Philip and others, it represents something much greater: a pathway back to independence. 

“The help of organizations like this helps to get somebody the confidence, the resources that they need to get back into their own place,” said Gillet. “We need more places like this in order to help out the society in general.”