Contacts: Megan O’Connor, Project Homeless Connect Volunteer Coordinator, 541-741-6000, ext. 159; Pearl Wolfe, Project Homeless Connect Co-Chair, 541-682-4629; Richie Weinman, Project Homeless Connect Co-Chair, 541-682-5533

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to assist with an event that helps meet the needs of homeless citizens living in the local community. Community volunteers and professional service providers are needed for a variety of tasks in connection with this year’s Project Homeless Connect for Lane County event, set for Thursday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds.

Last year more than 600 community volunteers, along with nearly 400 professional service providers, turned out to help more than 1,500 men, women and children in need of services.

Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of tasks including setting up, greeting guests, helping guests access services and distributing donations, such as sleeping bags, coats, hats and gloves. Interpreters are also needed—particularly people that speak Spanish.

Project Homeless Connect is a one-day, one-stop event that provides critical services and basic necessities to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The event offers free onsite medical exams, dental checkups, vision care, hot meals, haircuts and basic provisions. In addition, more than 80 local service agencies provide information on housing, employment, education, legal counsel, addiction treatment, and a variety of other services available for youth, families, seniors and veterans.

Anyone interested in volunteering for Project Homeless Connect for Lane County may register at www.homelessconnect.org. For additional information about volunteering as an individual or group, contact Megan O’Connor at United Way of Lane County at 541-741-6000, ext. 159 or moconnor@unitedwaylane.org.

For more information about Project Homeless Connect, contact Judy Riedl, Project Homeless Connect Coordinator at 541-682-3798 or Judy.Riedl@co.lane.or.us.

Amber Fossen

Public Information Officer

Lane County Government

125 E. Eighth Ave.

Eugene, Oregon 97401

541.682.3718

541.359.9143 (cell)