attach existing cck nodes to user profile

Hi all.

For an overview, I am building a small community site. Part of that is to have "Locations" that are venues or shops, etc., etc. and to have users that are 'attached' to that location.

My initial thought was to have CCK nodes to represent the locations (because news and events will also be attached to those locations); and, hopefully, to have Users that could only add news and events for the locations listed in their profiles.

I am having trouble finding how I can take a CCK node (location) and attach it to a User Profile.

I looked at NodeProfile and I'm not certain if this is the answer.

suggestions?