Project Homeless Connect 2010

On Thursday, March 4, 2010 Bellingham/Whatcom County hosted their second annual Project Homeless Connect. With six months of pre-planning, more than 30 Whatcom County nonprofit agencies involved, 21,000 pieces of outreach materials, two free bus days provided by WTA, and more than 300 volunteers, we had a great turn out. 467 households were served, which equals 679 individuals who benefitted from the goods and services on March 4!

Read more on our blog.

Check out the Bellingham Herald article published after the event.

Look at our pictures and add your own pictures from the event on our Facebook Page.

Did You Volunteer?

Thank you so much! We had more 300 volunteers participating on March 4, 2010; this event could not have happened without the wonderful people who gave their time and energy.

We want to hear about your experience. If you email or call us to tell us about your day, we will be happy to tell your story on our blog.

With questions, comments or suggestions, contact Katy Nydam or Lisa Hust at 360.734.3055 or email katyn@whatcomvolunteer.org.  

What we do

Project Homeless Connect is one day of services where guests can obtain medical and vision screening, dental, mental health and DSHS services, Washington State ID cards, housing information, haircuts and pet care. More than 50 service providers donate their staff time and equipment to give services on the spot or with a referral for free follow up after the event.

Project Homeless Connect’s organizers believe in providing a rich experience for our guests at the event. Guide volunteers are available to assist guests and share a meal with them at a fine-dining lunch complete with table service, white linens and piano, in the YWCA ballroom.

The most unique volunteer job you’ll ever have

People who have volunteered at Project Homeless Connect have described their experience as life-altering and transformative. Check out what these volunteers had to say:

I was moved by the variety of people that I saw at lunch. I liked talking with the guest, making eye contact, getting smiles back. I was nervous about the event, but am not now and would gladly do it again!”

I felt that it put a face to homelessness, and erased many stereotypes about who the homeless are and what they look like. I felt like we made a difference in people’s lives, and that we were able to provide them with a sense that there are people who care about them and want the best for them, despite their circumstances.”

History

At the inaugural Bellingham/Whatcom Project Homeless Connect in January 2009, 575 people received services. More than 450 people volunteered or provided professional services.

At the second annual Bellingham/Whatcom Project Homeless Connect in March 2010, 679 people received services. More than 550 people volunteered or provided professional services.

Project Homeless Connect began in October 2004. Now, well over 200 cities in the US, Canada, Australia and the Dominican Republic have created their own Project Homeless Connect.

None of these services would be possible without our major sponsors:

Learn more about Project Homeless Connect at:

Photos courtesy of Edye Colello-Morton (edcm58@comcast.net)