Eugene (KMTR) - After five years of serving the homeless population in Lane County, Project Homeless Connect is ending.The one-day, one-stop service event provided everything from dental and medical care, to haircuts, clothing, food, housing and employment counseling, all in one location in one day. In March, Project Homeless Connect helped about 1,600 people.
The chair of the project, Pearl Wolfe, has had to step down because of other work obligations. Since no one else has shown interest in taking on the event, it is being discontinued.
But Wolfe says that does not mean advocates are giving up on the homeless community.
“I think that one day was great and powerful and supportive and nurturing, and I think one day isn't enough. I think we need to do work that impacts individuals and families that are homeless for the long term.”
Wolfe says next year the county will focus on taking a more proactive approach to helping the homeless, moving them into housing more quickly, keeping people in their homes and stopping the cycle of moving in and out of homelessness.
