SAN DIEGO (CNS) - An annual event that matches up San Diego's homeless with social and health services served 1,150 people today, about 43 percent more than two years ago.
At the seventh Project Homeless Connect at Golden Hall downtown, participants received 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. In 2011, 660 homeless were served at the event.
The check-in line this morning stretched outside through Civic Center Plaza and onto the Third Avenue sidewalk.
The Housing Commission helped 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, were the honorary chairpersons.
Maria Velasquez of the commission said 550 volunteers showed up to help.
Just last week, organizers put out a plea for an additional 200 helpers to reach the 400 they needed.
