It’s one of the days on the calendar that puts a face on the city’s almost invisible community — Richmond’s homeless.
And Lynda Brummitt, along with a host of volunteers and community organizations, have been busy in the past few weeks preparing for the 6th annual Richmond Homeless Connect event Oct. 16 at St. Alban Anglican Church.
Last year it drew 30 to 40 who call the city’s streets home. Today, the estimated number of people lacking a fixed address in Richmond is around 250. That’s made the connect event, which provides a one-stop opportunity for the homeless become aware of organizations serving those homeless or at risk, ever more important, said Brummitt, facilitation administrator with Richmond Homelessness Coalition — Homes for All.
“It certainly is a day where we see people in need,” said Brummitt, adding the homeless numbers turning out is traditionally smaller than the actual population living on the streets, in part due to a sense of mistrust some may have.
“That reluctance can come from bad experiences they may have had in the past while on the streets, or a result of mental illness and addiction which is often a part of the homeless problem,” Brummitt said.
To spread the word about the event and its benefits, members from various local agencies who come into contact with the homeless population have been distributing cards with information about Homeless Connect.
“It’s very much a word of mouth thing,” Brummitt said, adding Richmond is similar to most outlying communities in Metro Vancouver which has a transient homeless community. “It’s really hard to pin down the numbers because there are many people who are living in precarious positions where they may be about a month away from losing their housing, or are couch-surfing at a friend’s home.”
Those taking part at Homeless Connect will be able to benefit from a variety of services and supplies — from health care and hair cuts to flu shots and clothing for the coming chilly, winter months.
Also on site will be many community agencies available to assist with information about addiction services, youth services, income assistance intake, mental health services, and employment services. There will also be a pancake breakfast and a hot lunch. And the homeless will be provided with hygiene kits, and a take away nutritious snack.
To help make this happen the event requires the efforts of around 200 volunteers, plus donations from the community.
For those wishing to volunteer, contact Harry at [email protected].
Items for donation are needed in two categories, hygiene products and clothing.
Hygiene products include: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, foot lotion, shaving cream, razors, band aids, and zip lock bags.
Clothing includes: new socks and underwear, gently used mitts, sweaters, toques, jackets, scarves, walking/running shoes, boots, blue jeans, and sweats.
Donations can be dropped off at Broadmoor Baptist Church (8140 Saunders Road) Tuesday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or at Richmond Hospital Thrift Store (3731 Chatham Street), Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The final drop-off day is Oct. 14. If you’d prefer to make a financial contribution, cheques can be made payable to Broadmoor Baptist Church.
Homeless Connect takes place at St. Alban Anglican Church (7260 St. Alban’s Rd.) Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., with a pancake breakfast served at 9 a.m. by Sunrise Rotary Club.
For more information about the event, email [email protected] or call 604-205-4700 to leave a voice mail.
