I started a new job this week. As I navigated unfamiliar hallways and tried to remember new names, policies and where the printer was, I was feeling lost. When I did finally stumble upon the copier/ printer, it was full of flyers. “What is this?” asked a co-worker, picking up an announcement for Project Homeless Connect. “I know!” I almost shouted. Finally, something familiar. I’d been hearing about Project Homeless Connect for weeks at my previous job, and I’d even attended last August. Project Homeless Connect (PHC) is a national model that returns to Baltimore for the second time this September. Piloted in San Francisco and now operating in more than 300 cities, the “project” is a whole- day event that aims to provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness. Free to attend, the event provides each guest with breakfast, lunch, and a bag of groceries. Beyond that, the event connects each guest to his or her individual needs. When I attended on behalf of my organization in 2012, I handed out every copy of the pamphlet I’d brought about transitional housing opportunities. The information was in demand, but the real stars of the event were those who could provide on-site services. Haircuts? You can get one at Project Homeless Connect. Need a Maryland license? Get one here. Is your wheelchair or walker broken? The people at that table can fix it. Do you need legal assistance? Go to Section C. Any other day of the year, each of these services would be a challenge to obtain. Here, you get help, you stand in a short line, you don’t have to travel between several offices, and you don’t have to pay. To see how the event went last year, check out this video: In a field that is often criticized as providing temporary fixes as opposed to long-term solutions, Project Homeless Connect may appear to be only one good day, compared to the rest of the year when there are long lines, confusing paperwork, and services spread all over the city. Still, Project Homeless Connect is about more than just quick fixes. The event connects individuals with services, yes, but also service providers with each other, and volunteers to local organizations. As a newcomer to Baltimore last year, it connected me with my city, and this week, it connected me with my new co-workers. Project Homeless Connect is a component of Baltimore’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, not a supplement to it. In the near future, I hope to see less need for this event. This year, though, I am spreading the word. Interested in experiencing Baltimore’s Second Annual Project Homeless Connect? The event takes place on September 19th at The Baltimore Convention Center. You can volunteer to help the evening before or the day of the event by signing up here.
