Project Homeless Connect 2010

This year’s event was a complete success. Check out the Bellingham Herald article published after the event.

Look at our pictures or add your own pictures from the event on our Facebook Page. More coming soon.

Stay tuned for more feedback from the event in the coming week.

Did You Volunteer?

Thank you so much! This event could not have happened without the wonderful people giving 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 Rebecca Rayner or Randi McKenna at 360.734.3055 or email rebeccar@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.

None of these services would be possible without our major sponsors: St. Luke’s Foundation, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Whatcom Educational Credit Union, the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County and the Bellingham Police Department.

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

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.

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

Learn more about Project Homeless Connect at: