When the opportunity to participate in Project Homeless Connect – Orange County came around again this year, the Community Relations Committee knew Carol Woods residents would be eager to pitch in – and pitch in they did!
During September, the committee distributed the official list of personal care needs and set up a colorful display with their giant red bin, “Big Red”, as a receptacle for the abundance of donations they knew to expect from fellow residents. By the end of the week, “Big Red” was brimming, so space was added. Shampoo, razors, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, lotions, deodorants and other items were over the top. They were screaming to be packaged in kits and delivered to the headquarters.
In its fourth year, the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership has sponsored Project Homeless Connect as a one-day, one-stop event to provide a broad range of services to people experiencing, or who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. The Thursday, November 4th, 9:00am-3:30pm event will be held at the Hargraves Community Center in Chapel Hill. The list of providers is extensive!
Carol Woods residents have volunteered in the past as intake workers. They also escort guests as they move from registration through the maze of resources offered at the day-long event. Assistance with housing, employment, mental health, dental care, veterans’ benefits, and legal services are among the free resources. Foot care, reading glasses, haircuts, showers, lunch, and warm coats are among the abundant offerings. These all serve to nurture many a body and soul needing a little something extra.
- Residents Nancy Gustaveson and Anne Wright contributed to this story
