Lincoln County Public Health was proud to participate alongside 25 other community agencies in Project Homeless Connect, Lincoln County’s annual homeless outreach event held January 26th..  The event offered immediate goods and services to those experiencing homelessness and families in need such as energy and housing assistance, pet and dental care, eyeglasses, a warm meal, and haircuts.

Approximately 160 individuals participated in the event, a figure that serves as a reminder of the importance of this event and the need that exists on the coast. Lincoln County Public Health helped 35 people apply for their birth certificates and administered flu and pneumonia immunizations to 34 people.  In addition, 60 pairs of glasses were given to those in need of corrective lenses and 45 haircuts were provided courtesy of Phagans’ Newport Academy of Cosmetology Careers.

Lola Jones, Director of Samaritan House and head coordinator of the event put it simply, “Project Homeless Connect is meant to be an intersection of our community, our agencies, our civic entities, our businesses, and our volunteers. I think that the best collaboration happens when each of these groups contributes something and gains something.”

Project Homeless Connect is a fine example of how our community can come together and work towards improving the lives of those who are in need. Thank you to the Church of the Nazarene for hosting this event and to all the volunteers and donations that made Project Homeless Connect possible.