By Nichole Lopez
Jerry Sadler (left) Rosanne McPhail (right) The fourth annual Project Homeless Connect, a one day, one place event coordinated by Peninsula Poverty Response took place January 26th at the Long Beach Elks Lodge. Individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness were welcomed at the door. All attendees had the opportunity to connect to much needed services.
With the help of 29 service providers and our amazing community, 173 of our neighbors received access to services. Volunteers from various businesses, religious groups, fraternities, and other organizations partnered with providers of medical, legal, mental health, dental, housing, veterans’ benefits, veterinarian services and more. Guests spent the day with a guide who helped them navigate the event, ensuring they received a warm meal, a haircut if desired, but most importantly, they provided connection with fellow community members who genuinely cared about their wellbeing.
When a PHC attendee was asked what the best part of the day was the response was perfect “meeting all the wonderful people and getting to spend the day with my guide”. Volunteers, Providers and individuals shared in the feeling of connectivity.
It’s a no brainer, this event is one of Peninsula Poverty Responses favorite events of the year because it is a day all about supporting the community and helping out our neighbors.
Many thanks to the team who made this event possible: Bill Buck (PHC Coordinator), Nichole Lopez (Publicity & Tangible Goods), Maria Mandt, (PPR/CCAP AmeriCorps), Darice Grass (Meals), Vinessa Karnofski (Tangible Goods), Sheena Humphreys (Provider Recruitment), Katie Lindstrom (Point-In-Time Count), Mitzi Pothier (Volunteer Coordinator), Greg Pothier & Dave Hansen (Set Up/Logistics).
Thank you to the Elks for letting us use their building, Kleen & Free by the Sea for help with setup and takedown, and the City of Long Beach for the use of the Depot and shutting down the street.
Thanks to all those who helped, PHC 2017 was a major success in lending assistance to those who need it most. We at PPR look forward to another successful PHC next year!
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