Project Connect a Success

Project Connect 2012 was a great success! Thank you to everyone who donated, whether it was your time or items – we couldn’t have done it without you!

Project Connect is a one-day service and information fair for those experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty in our community. We gathered dozens of services and information booths together and provided a BBQ lunch for attendees. An estimated 600 people attended Project Connect this year, eating 1,350 hamburgers and 600 hot dogs! Hundreds of people were provided with important information and services, just a few of the highlights were:

  • 150 Birth Certificate applications were completed
  • 80 Care Card applications were completed
  • 45 income tax returns completed
  • 60+ artist contributed to the Project Connect art project
  • 30 people received foot care
  • 25 bicycles repaired and serviced

Due to the generosity of our community, we were able to collect nearly 15,000 items to give to attendees in custom care packs. The items ranged from toques and mittens to toilet paper and shaving cream. Your donations, while they may seem small, make a huge difference in the lives of those attending Project Connect. One gentleman was overheard saying, “I haven’t had a roll of toilet paper in months!”. Here’s what 15,000 items look like, before and after:

Care Pack Items – Before

Care Pack Items – After

For more photos and information: Project Connect

2 thoughts on “Project Connect a Success

  1. Robin Metcalfe

    Fantastic! Project Connect is Amazing!

    Are there any ‘Access to ID/ID Safe Storage’ programs that partner with Project Connect in Victoria?

    I am trying to find out more about how other cities are approaching the need for access to ID and ID storage among the homeless and low-income populations. There is an ID Project in Calgary and in Toronto, and I had thought there would be one in Victoria as well, but I have not been able to find any information other than on Project Homeless Connect. This research will inform ID Project development and reporting, and understandings of Canadian promising practices in this area.

    If you can provide any suggestions, I am very grateful,

    Robin (Calgary)

    1. The Coalition Post author

      Hi Robin,
      Victoria doesn’t have an official ID program (that we are aware of). We do know that a number of organizations around town try to help out with ID storage (unofficially) when they can.

      The Coalition

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