THANK YOU for being a part of Project Connect 2011!

This event is possible only because of the valuable time and effort that the entire community puts into it. Hundreds of amazing volunteers, dedicated planners and wonderful service providers commit themselves every year to help those in need on this one day. We are very grateful for your perseverance and dedication. Likewise, the 230 guests that received assistance in their struggle to better their lives are undoubtedly thankful too.

Although we often get caught up in the numbers of people attending an event like this as an indicator of success - equally important are the personal bonds that all of us made with others that day. Whether those bonds were formed while sharing a meal with a volunteer, having a conversation with a guest as they waited in line for a service, or meeting a fellow service provider in our community -- we all left the day feeling more CONNECTED to others in our community in a positive and hopeful way - all in an effort to end homelessness in our community.

WHAT IS PROJECT CONNECT?

Project Connect in Orange County, NC (formerly Project Homeless Connect) is a one-day, one-stop center to provide a broad range of services to people facing homelessness including health and dental care, mental health care, employment, legal services, social services, housing, veterans services, and more. Project Connect unites local homeless service agencies to meet people’s needs and effectively work towards ending and preventing homelessness in Orange County.

Project  Connect educates the community about the issues of homelessness while allowing individual community members to contribute their efforts, talents, and compassion.  In 2010, 131 guests were served with 1616 individual services provided. In 2011, we served 239 guests. Since the first event in 2007, we have served over 900 guests.
 
In 2011, we raised funds to cover the event costs as well as launch a very unique and meaningful new program to help homeless individuals in our community connect with employers. Funds will go towards JOB PARTNERS through the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness to help with assessment tests, background checks, and career portfolios.
 
Through a unique community-wide partnership, Project Connect involves dozens of businesses, several hundred volunteers, local governments, faith-based communities, and service providers all in an effort to assist fellow community members end homelessness in Orange County.