Project Connect provides services to the homeless

The Rev. Ida Turner-Lawson turned 71 in April — but she has never had a good pair of glasses.

After Turner-Lawson visited the sixth annual Project Connect at the Hargraves Center in Chapel Hill on Thursday, she had her eyes checked and left with two new pairs of glasses.

“I’m going to get my feet and teeth taken care of, and hopefully I will have time to get a hairdo,” she said.

The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness hosts the annual event, which provides residents who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness with free basic services.

More than 50 providers helped with this year’s event, including the Orange County Health Department, the UNC School of Nursing and Legal Aid of North Carolina.

“We do this because it works,” said Jamie Rohe, program coordinator for the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness. “It connects people to the services they need and gives them the services they need right at the event.”

About 900 people have been reached by Project Connect since it began in 2007. Last year, 239 guests attended.

“It is incredible to watch the exchanges between guests and volunteers — the relationships made here are powerful,” said Amy Crump, a co-chairwoman for the event.

And volunteers say the event helps them realize how many needy people live in nearby communities.

“Everyone is treated like a guest, so I try to come every year,” said Barbara Tepperman, another volunteer. “It is always a wonderful event, and people always get a lot of help.”

Susan Barbozn, a social worker who also volunteered at the event, said the dental service is the most popular offering.

Gwen Floyd, a first-time guest at the event, got her dentures fixed.

“Everyone has been very nice and helpful,” Floyd said. “I got a free coat and even found out where to vote early.”

Dorothy Faulkner was a returning guest of Project Connect.

“I went to the eye clinic to get reading glasses, my weight was checked and I received some health services. The food and music is always good.”

She was also able to get a book for her 13-year-old daughter, provided by KidsCope, an Atlanta-based nonprofit.

The event also provided guests with behavioral health and substance abuse services, education and job readiness, food and assistance and housing resources.

Kristyn Yelton — a representative from the Assertive Community Treatment Association who had a booth at the event — said the event reminds her of a hospital without walls.

“All the services of a hospital are provided, but it meets people right where they are,” she said.

Contact the desk editor at city@dailytarheel.com.