By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Project Connect Wood County is more than a one-day event for those who use its services. The goods and services received can make life better for months, even years, to come.
Kathy Hunt and her friend Susanna Herman both use the eye glasses service.
Some of the toiletries in the bag that Hunt received will last her months, she said. And she’s planning ahead to the holidays, she was able to put in her request to the Salvation Army for a Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets.
Even the massage, her favorite part, has a lasting effect. “It works out kinks, align my head it just relaxes you,” she said. She can still feel the effects a month later. “It just makes it so much easier. It’s one of those things worth waiting for.”
And she’ll have to wait because being on disability, she certainly cannot afford to pay for regular massages.
Hunt has been attending all four years Project Connect has been held.
Project Connect is aimed at those homeless or in danger of being homeless. It’s goal is to link up people with needed services, provides dental and eye exams, health screenings services on that day and hot meals. “You get the squares,” Hunt said, as she ate a breakfast of strawberry yogurt and a banana. “They always have great food.”
Project Connect was held Wednesday at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bowling Green. An estimated 300 households received assistance, said Jamie Brubaker, of United Way-Wood County.
Project Connect runs on volunteers, about 250, she said said.
Hunt planned to spend the entire day there. She makes a point of visiting as many booths as possible because there’s always a new service and information available. Plus, she sees a lot of people she knows.
She and Herman are such big supporters they make a point of encouraging others to attend. Hunt distributes flyers throughout their apartment complex. Both have cars so they brought people with them.
“As a community project, it’s super,” Hunt said.
“Every little bit helps,” Herman said. The eye glasses are a major saving, and she also got herself a new coat.
Everyday items such as light bulbs are welcomed. “They’re expensive,” she said.
One of the people she brought with her is on disability and Social Security, the other is in the process of trying to get disability benefits. “They need all the help they can get,” Herman said. “While I’m not homeless, I am on Social Security. You don’t get rich.”
“I think it’s great for people who truly are homeless,” she said.
Dustin Smith, of Weston, falls into that category. He and his parents are living with a friend, but until recently they lived in a tent at Mary Jane Thurstin Park in Grand Rapids. They spent two months there.
He’s been unable to work since he started experiencing black outs while doing a morning newspaper delivery route.
Project Connect allows him and his parents meet many needs in one place at one time.
For Smith that includes getting information on obtaining a GED. They also need some winter clothes.
For Christen Giblin, a community editor for the ADAMHS Board and NAMI, said providers feel the need to take part. Often they will learn about new services available.
Jessica Clements, of Wood County Child Support Enforcement, said her office had a presence before, but this was the first year the office had a separate space.
Even if the staff only helped a couple people, she said, it was worth it.
Project Connect brings the office’s services into a more convenient location, than its office on Gypsy Road.
“We’ve really been wanting to do more outreach in the community,” Clements said, “and this is a good way to get started.”
Giblin said the volunteers come from all segments of the community.
“People want to be a part of it,” she said. “They know it really helps.”
