Spokane Homeless Connect brings dozens of services to hundreds; organizers seek volunteers

Carrie Stevens, a representative of Spokane Homeless Connect, said the annual outreach event brings many services together at one site to reduce barriers for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

"The point of this event is to bring as many services together as possible in 1 location at 1 time for people to access on the same day, reducing barriers and eliminating problems to accessing housing and additional resources," Stevens said. "Every year, we see over a 1000 people."

Stevens said last year’s event drew about 1,500 people. She described the program as focused on basic needs first because "nobody can do anything unless those basic needs are met," listing showers, haircuts, a hot meal, a clothing bank, a food bank and on-site medical services including hearing testing.

Organizers said this year’s event will include 122 on-site service providers, the largest number so far. Stevens said Spokane Community College typically sends 26 to 30 haircutters and that the event provides more than 500 haircuts each year.

Stevens also framed the event as a way to accelerate access to services: "So although you may not leave with keys during this event, you are going to be 3 to 4 months ahead of the game by way of accessing services, and you didn't have to navigate all of the systems and the transportation to get it."

She asked people who want to volunteer, assist, donate or sponsor to visit spokaneconnect.org. Stevens noted Spokane Homeless Connect takes place in January and Spokane Valley Connect in May.

The presentation consisted of one speaker and was a summary description of the event rather than a request for formal action or funding.