Project Homeless Connect Touches Hundreds in Fourth District
Hundreds of people visited Martha's Village and Kitchen and obtained services from "Project Homeless Connect-Coachella Valley" on Tuesday, December 4th.
The event was coordinated by the County of Riverside Department of Public Social Services in conjunction with The Housing and Homeless Coalition for Riverside County, along with cities within the Coachella Valley and other community partners.
The day was truly a "life-changing" homeless service event for many. Approximately three dozen agencies provided much-needed services to the homeless community from throughout the Coachella Valley. The visitors were given opportunities to have their basic needs met including: taking a shower, getting a hair cut, having a hot meal; and, most importantly, getting connected with immediate services in order to assist in breaking the cycle of homelessness in their lives. They received help in learning about Veteran's benefits, identity cards, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling.
Supervisor Wilson's Fourth District Youth Advisory Council provided hygiene kits and distributed socks and undergarments.
"The day was very beneficial for the participants and gratifying for the volunteers, including myself, said Elizabeth Romero, Board Assistant to Fourth District Supervisor Roy Wilson. "All of the agencies in attendance were helpful and treated the homeless community with dignity. It was an opportunity for them to begin to break the cycle of homelessness.
"I hope the individuals and agencies follow through with the momentum that was created that day."
Elizabeth also noted that "The face of homelessness is changing...we saw women, children, and people who actually held jobs.
"I look forward to participating in the program in the future. The planning committee deserves a huge atta-boy and atta-girl."