Dear Editor,
During Homelessness Action Week in October, the Richmond community came together to welcome more than 70 guests at the 8th annual Richmond Homeless Connect at St. Alban Anglican Church.
These at-risk and homeless individuals partook in the services provided by community services volunteers, such as haircuts, foot care, dental hygiene, flu shots and bike repair, as well as enjoying a pancake breakfast by Steveston Rotary Club and a nutritious luncheon prepared and served by volunteer organizers.
Guests were also provided with clothing and footwear collected from thoughtful Richmond residents by Richmond Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop, a nutritional snack provided by St. Vincent de Paul, and take-away hygiene kits.
Local community agencies on site provided information and referrals to income assistance, addiction services, youth services, mental health services and employment services.
Guests also enjoyed a new service this year — a take-way professional photograph which was a big hit.
Homeless Connect would not happen without the help and support of community members, organizations, service clubs and businesses. On behalf of the organizers, we would like to thank Steveston Rotary Club, Richmond Hospital Auxiliary, Richmond Health Services, St. Alban Anglican Church, Richmond Church of the Latter Day Saints, South Arm United Church, St. Vincent de Paul, The Pedal Depot and Camera One Photography for their numerous contributions to the event’s success.
We would also like to thank Richmond Sunrise Rotary Club and the Great Canadian Superstore, as well as individual Richmond residents for their generous financial donations.
We also acknowledge and thank the many volunteers from a variety of community services, including youth groups, who gave their time to make sure our guests received the help they were seeking.
With this season comes a time of giving that the Richmond community responds to amazingly well. On behalf of the local community services that provide help to people experiencing homelessness year-round, we would ask they be remembered around the holiday season.
These organizations respond with support to individual needs of the people they serve and often there are unanticipated needs that come to their attention as a result.
The organizations that provide outreach and support services to people experiencing homelessness are: St. Alban Anglican Church, Richmond Salvation Army, Turning Point Recovery Society and CHIMO Community Services.
Any one of these organizations could put community donations to good use supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Please contact them directly for information on how to make a donation.
De Whalen
Member, Richmond Homeless
Connect Planning Committee
