Double the expected need — and impact — at Project Homeless Connect

Art by Duke Russell

Our community came together in a big way this year for Project Homeless Connect, a one-day, one-stop resource fair that took place Sept. 23 for people experiencing homelessness.

The event underscored not only great need in Anchorage but also a desire for support with an estimated 1,000 guests, double the number expected. Almost the entire day, the line to get into the Egan Center wrapped around the block. Not all attendees were living outdoors or in a shelter. Some had housing but their situation was precarious.

They sought warm clothing and lunch and resources. Some 500 people were outfitted with winter gear — a hat and gloves, jacket and boots, new socks too —  before the gear ran out.

Around 90 service providers spent the day connecting people to housing and shelter, jobs and training, healthcare and treatment. Some updated guests’ information or enrolled them in the homelessness response database for the first time. People Mover ensured free rides for the whole city that day. Providence Alaska offered mammograms. The Lions Club provided eyeglasses. DMV printed new IDs, necessary to move forward with a job or housing. Agencies processed applications for benefits such as SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Stylists gave fresh haircuts, volunteers washed feet, and Bike Anchorage joined with the Trek bike store to finetune what people rode in on. And so it went.

Among the agencies supporting pedestrian and biking safety was the Center for Safe Alaskans. It provided visibility gear including brightly colored hats and reflective tape.

“Many participants were actively recognizing the need to be seen when on or near the road,” the center’s John Ruyak noted.

More than 60 volunteers supported the event. Deborah Asper traveled from Ketchikan, assisting with both foot washing and winter gear distribution. She figures she interacted with more than 100 guests. She brings her own lived experience of homelessness and addiction.

“Coming from a community where the majority of the population still believes those who are struggling should just ‘get a job’ or ‘stop using drugs,’ this whole event stood out to me. To not only have food and supplies offered but to have state and community partners actually providing services to help people move forward, is incredible,” she told organizers. “So much respect for not only organizing such an impactful event but to build a community that shows up.”

Another volunteer who distributed winter gear, Courtney Moore, reflected on a time in her own life when she needed help. Now she’s a helper. The whole event got to her. “I had to hold back tears multiple times,” she said. People giving their time were “grateful to be of service and compassionate.”

Lanette Harley was impressed with how many businesses, community organizations and government agencies took part. Seeing that “showed me how strong and compassionate our community truly is.” Her role was to hand out personal hygiene items. “It was humbling to witness how something so simple could bring comfort and dignity to someone’s day.”

Others were struck by the immediate and tangible impacts. One commented that the “right agencies were there to meet the needs of the people.”

Many of the guests said they were able to connect with vital resources, including housing. They noted the incredible need and recommended more services and supports, including enough winter gear for all who are unhoused.

One attendee, who took the opportunity for a mammogram, had advice that extends beyond the one-day event:

“Go by what they need as a human and treat each other equally, no matter the struggle.”