Snohomish County will host its second annual Project Homeless Connect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 29, at Everett’s Cascade High School. Volunteers are needed to make the event a success.
 
Last year’s inaugural event served more than 500 individuals and families experiencing homelessness, offering them housing resources, medical and dental services, haircuts, food and other social services through state and local agencies.
 
This annual event is a collaborative effort between government, nonprofits and community members committed to providing immediate, tangible services to individuals and families residing in Snohomish County who are experiencing homelessness.
 
“We must continue to work together to provide the basics all people deserve,” Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon said. “Events such as these help those in need find services to break the cycle of homelessness.”
 
Due to the nation’s continued economic downturn, high unemployment rates and a distressed housing market, this year’s Project Homeless Connect is expected to serve even more people and families in need than last year.
 
As a community based event, Project Homeless Connect heavily relies on volunteers, donations and sponsorships.
 
“Last year, our community came together, and we received many donations to cover expenses such as food and supplies,” said Stephani Perin-Earling, the event’s volunteer coordinator. “Due to the economy, we have seen a drastic decrease in donations this year, yet there are still as many needs.”
 
If you would like to volunteer on the day of the event, please contact the United Way of Snohomish County at 425-374-5500 or info@uwsc.org. To make a monetary donation, please make your check payable to: The Everett Gospel Mission c/o Project Homeless Connect, PO Box 423, Everett, WA 98206-0423.
 
For more information about the event, contact Stephani Perin-Earling at Stephani@arcsno.org or Snohomish County’s Jackie Anderson at jackiem.anderson@snoco.org or Dean Weitenhagen atdean.weitenhagen@snoco.org.