'Giving San Diegans' Helped Make Project Homeless Connect A Success

The 10th Project Homeless Connect, a one-day resource event on Wednesday at Golden Hall in downtown San Diego for the region’s homeless population, attracted 1,215 people seeking help.

“This is one of the singular most-positive events that happens every year,’’ Mayor Kevin Faulconer said.

“This is a chance for all of our volunteers and so many of our fantastic service providers throughout the city to come and give people a little extra help, provide folks with services they need,’’ Faulconer said.

“And I think probably one of the most important things is to show that compassion San Diegans are known for,’’ he said. “It’s about treating people with dignity and respect, and helping people get off the street, and helping to change lives.’’

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At the event, the area’s homeless get a hot meal, receive such services as haircuts and legal help, and pick up donated items such as rain jackets, umbrellas, shoes, blankets and gloves.

Richard Gentry, president and CEO of the San Diego Housing Commission, said about 300 people were checked in during the first hour alone. A line outside stretched across the plaza of the Civic Center complex.

“I think what this indicates is two things -- number one, a great need,’’ Gentry said. “I think the second thing you see is the wonderful, giving nature of ordinary San Diegans.’’

According to the commission, 739 of those served today were men, 182 were military veterans, 1,026 were single, 92 were single parents, and all but around 100 were unemployed. Last year, 1,145 homeless people were served at Project Homeless Connect.

The event is organized by the commission, Father Joe’s Villages, Family Health Centers of San Diego and the Interfaith Shelter Network.

Today, Faulconer, Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas and county Supervisors Greg Cox and Ron Roberts are scheduled to proposed a regionwide initiative to provide more intensive services to help the homeless with the
most serious mental health issues.

On Friday, volunteers are scheduled to make the annual count of homeless throughout the county.

The events prompted the City Council to proclaim this Homelessness Action Week in San Diego.

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