SAN DIEGO (CNS) - An annual event that matches up San Diego's homeless with social and health services will be held today in downtown San Diego.
The seventh Project Homeless Connect is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.at Golden Hall.
Participants can get health screenings, flu shots, dental exams, haircuts, legal aid, housing counseling and other services, according to the San Diego Housing Commission. Last year's event served 941 homeless men, women and children.
The agency is helping to run the event along with the Family Health Centers of San Diego, St. Vincent de Paul Village and the Interfaith Shelter Network. Mayor Bob Filner and his fiancee, Bronwyn Ingram, along with City Council President Todd Gloria, are the honorary chairpersons.
Maria Velasquez of the commission said the organizers need 400 volunteers to make Project Homeless Connect work, and last week had only 200 signed up. After putting out a call through the media, another 200 people agreed to help, she said.
Volunteers escort guests through the auditorium so they can connect with the services they have requested, help register homeless attendees, serve food, and sort clothing, among other tasks.
