2015 Project Connect

Project Connect started in 2009 as Project Homeless Connect with over 45 Southern Oregon agencies bringing vital services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. More than 450 people were served that first year. We want this day to be the beginning of a productive, happy life for people who want positive change. With a budget under $10,000, over 770 people were served in 2015.

 

Some 2015 Project Connect Highlights

  • 1494 moments of service were provided at the event – among those:
  • 75 haircuts by volunteers from local salons;
  • 30 pets treated by Homeless Oregon Pet Project veterinarians and assistants;
  • 30 bikes provided through Medford PD, United Way of Jackson County,and the Ashland Bike Swap;
  •  270 Explorer bus passes given out by RVTD for people needing rides to get to seek jobs, attend jobs, and appointments.
  • 25 people were seen by Judges Lisa Grief, William Haberlach, Joe Charter, and Kelly Ravassipour, Southern
    Oregon Public Defenders, and Beth Heckert from Jackson County DA’s Offi ce helped people clean up legal matters holding them back.
  • LaClinica provided medical and dental screening to countless people all day.
  • RVVCO helped 24 people get copies of their birt certificates so they could go on to get official ID cards.
  • More than 3489 individual pieces of helpful information were given to people.
  • Over 770 hot lunches were served.
  • Sleeping bags, clothing, bicycles and canned food were given out.
  • More than 50 agencies put over 400 hours into making 201 Project Connect happen.
  • Over 100 volunteers spent months planning, preparing and participating.

More than 50 programs came together for 2015 Project Connect – workers helping the same clients often had never met each other prior to this day – can you imagine how much more powerful help can be now?