Tacoma hosts Pierce County Project Homeless Connect Wednesday

The fifth annual Project Homeless Connect will take place on Weds., Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall. The Pierce County Project Homeless Connect is an annual, one-day event that provides access to a variety of services under one roof for individuals and families experiencing and at risk of homelessness. The project is jointly presented by the Pierce County Department of Community Connections, the City of Tacoma, South Sound Outreach Services and hundreds of sponsors, community organizations and volunteers.

In 2010, Project Homeless Connect provided 1,408 people with access to emergency, transitional or permanent housing; dental, vision and medical care, including health screenings, flu shots, podiatry, chemical dependency assessments, mental health assessments and health screenings; employment and education resources; family services; haircuts; legal services; on-site child care; podiatry; public benefits such as Social Security and Veterans Administration benefits; replacement identification; tax help; and a hot meal.

Committed professionals provide more than $212,000 in in-kind services and supplies for the event each year, and consequently seek further opportunity to serve their community. Project Homeless Connect brings together more than 60 area organizations (business, government, social service, health care, faith communities) and more than 600 volunteers.

More information is available at http://www.pchomelessconnect.org .