Project Connect Links Homeless Community with Resources

Families and individuals in need walking into church were heartily greeted by volunteers and county workers in bright orange vests on Oct. 1, which marked the return of Project Connect to The Rock Church and World Outreach Center. Project Connect originated in San Francisco and was started by California’s Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. Its purpose is to link the homeless and low-income households to resources in the county. This year, over 50 vendors representing government agencies, faith-based organizations, healthcare facilities, housing providers, veteran benefits, and more were set up throughout the Youth Auditorium. Organized by the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership, the very first Project Connect in San Bernardino was also at The Rock Church in 2009, according to Tom Hernandez, Homeless Services Coordinator for the Office of Homeless Services in San Bernardino County. “We do [Project Connect] at least twice a year, and we do [it] in select communities,” said Hernandez. He said that in the past, Project Connect has been held in cities like Ontario, Upland, Yucca Valley, Barstow and Victorville, as well as other cities throughout the county, and that San Bernardino has one of the largest homeless populations in San Bernardino County. According to a release issued by the County of San Bernardino, “These types of events are intended to be a countywide network of service delivery to the homeless and low-income families and individuals in need residing throughout the County of San Bernardino.” “What we want to do is connect [the homeless] with the services that they’re eligible for,” said Hernandez. “We have housing providers here, as well, so if they’re interested and ready, they can choose to pursue that, and if they’re ready to get off the street then we can talk about it.” Those who attended signed in at the intake table and filled out information cards, which Hernandez stated were used to gather data and assist in strategic planning for more ways to help the community. “It’s so we can say, on this day we had this many people come in and these were the main issues they had,” said Hernandez. Visitors also received a hygiene bag, which contained items like shampoo, soap, lotion and a toothbrush. Visitors were also encouraged to visit at least 20 booths to win a free lunch, which was paid for by the Office of Homeless Services and provided by Subway. Hernandez shared that event has been growing every year. “We now have a base of organizations, faith-based and community-based, that are part of our list that are coming together and joining our partnership,” he said. “It just keeps getting bigger and bigger.” In the Youth Café, The Redlands Community Hospital gave free vision exams. Deanna Stover, Executive Director for Community Based Programs and Services, said that what she liked most was “meshing with the community, being part of the community, and letting the community be aware that we’re here to help them.” In the adjacent booth, Marinello Schools of Beauty gave free haircuts. Not too far off in the same room, The Way World Outreach featured a clothes closet of donated clothes for men, women and children. “We’re here to put a smile on our community’s face,” said Irene Mancha from the church. “Whatever they need and whatever we have, they can take as much as they want. There’s no limit on the clothing right now.” Mancha, who has been working with The Way World for seven years, said she herself used to be homeless. If there was an item that was not available at the booth, visitors put in requests and left their contact information with her, so that they could be notified if it arrived at The Way World’s Downtown Mission. Baby strollers, car seats, and toys were also available for donation on the spot. Shawn Quintero, who works with The Rock Church Homeless Ministry, represented the church and supplied visitors with information on the ministry’s food distribution center and other services. “I think there are many organizations who are offering amazing things, [but] simply nobody knows about them,” he said. “We love being connected with different organizations which are helping people in the city, and so we love to offer our facility and even our programs.” “I think it’s a great opportunity to offer these services,” said Hernandez. “I wish we could do it every day.”