On Thursday, September 24, more than 1,000 volunteers will come together at the Baltimore Convention Center for this year’s Project Homeless Connect and dedicate their day to serve our homeless community.

Baltimore’s Project Homeless Connect is one of the largest events of its kind in the United States. Volunteers are paired with a participant who then guides each family or individual around the event to access important on-the-spot services. Dentists are on site ready to perform tooth extractions. Doctors are available to provide health exams and prescribe medications. At the spa and salon, friendly stylists give haircuts and select volunteers wash feet.

Hundreds of nonprofit organizations also are available to help participants find housing and jobs, obtain IDs, provide legal advice and more.

At the end of the day, children are provided with school supply kits, parents and individuals receive food donations and the whole family is able to choose a warm jacket to take with them.

Many past participants were very appreciative of the help they received.

“I was so grateful to have this opportunity and that these resources have been made available all in one setting,” said a 2014 Project Homeless Connect Participant.  “Everybody was so helpful in a non-judgmental way. I hope this continues every year because overall it was a great day…productive and pleasurable.”

We’re looking forward to partnering again this year with the City of Baltimore and The Journey Home to uplift and empower our homeless community. If you’re interested in volunteering at Project Homeless Connect, sign up today at www.uwcm.org/phc/volunteer