Every October, the Homeless Connect event is a sort of one-stop shop of services connecting those in need with help. RPRC chair De Whalen details this year’s event below.
During Homelessness Action Week, on Oct. 17 the Richmond community came together to welcome guests at the 11th annual Richmond Community (Homeless) Connect at St. Alban Anglican Church. About 65 people who are without an address or in precarious circumstances attended. They enjoyed the services provided by 30 community agencies and numerous volunteers such as haircuts, foot care, dental hygiene, chair massages and bike repair as well as a pancake breakfast and a nutritious luncheon.
Guests were also provided with clothing and footwear collected from thoughtful Richmond residents, and take-away healthy snacks and hygiene kits. Local community agencies on site provided referrals to income assistance, addiction services and mental wellness services as well as information and resources from Elections Canada, Richmond City and Richmond Library. This Connect event is only possible with the support of community members, organizations, service clubs and businesses.
On behalf of the organizers, we would like to thank Richmond Hospital Auxiliary, Richmond Health Services, St. Alban Anglican Church, Steveston Rotary, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, St. Vincent de Paul, the UBC Bike Co-op, the City of Richmond and Camera One Photography for their numerous contributions to the event’s success. We would also like to thank individual Richmond residents for their generous financial donations. We also acknowledge and thank the many volunteers from a variety of community services, including youth groups and students, who gave their time to make sure that our guests received whatever they were seeking.
With this season comes a time of giving, but the needs of Richmond residents with no address happen year-round. Local community service agencies respond to immediate needs such as food and shelter but often there are emergent needs that come to their attention as a result. Agencies that provide outreach and support services year-round to Richmondites with no address or who are precariously housed are: St. Alban Anglican Church, Richmond Salvation Army, Turning Point Recovery Society and CHIMO Community Services. Any one of these organizations could put community donations to good use. Please contact them directly for information on how to make a donation.