As of the last point-in-time count earlier this year, there were 80 people without homes in Orange County. And chances are, those people need the same types of services and resources that people with homes do.

That’s what coalition members with the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness were thinking when they created Project Connect. It’s a chance for those who are experiencing or are at risk for homelessness to stop by and get everything from a winter coat to legal advice to a haircut and makeover for job interviews.

“Our goal this year is to really have quite a festive atmosphere and a joyous atmosphere so of course there’s food… we’re no dummies,” said Corey Root. She’s the Homelessness Program Coordinator for Orange County.

She said the event is a chance for the whole community to work together.

“It’s super important to get services for folks” Root said. “But we also want to have a day where we are coming together as a community and feeling that, feeling that celebration and not that sort of dire, ‘Here are your services.’ But really quite a joyous event for the whole community.”

Thursday, October 27 will be the tenth Project Connect for Orange County. It will be held at the Hargraves Center on Roberson Street from 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Root said OCPEH is looking for both volunteers and donations for the event.

“We’re asking folks if they’ve got winter clothing, coats in particular,” she said. “We’re also soliciting for gift cards for grocery stores so we can buy supplies… grocery stores or Walmart or Target or any store where we can buy supplies for the event.”

Root said it’s rewarding to be able to provide these services to those who need them. But she said it’s also rewarding that so many other Orange County residents have been so eager to help out at Project Connect in the past.

“It spoke to me a lot about the values of our community and how just what a great place Orange County is” Root said. “So it was just wonderful.”

OCPEH is looking for volunteers for the following:

  • Parking
  • Guest Intake
  • Recycling
  • Massage
  • Hair Styling
  • Clean-Up

Sign up for a shift between 8:15 A.M. and 5:30 P.M. here.

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Hosting Annual Project Connect Wednesday
The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness is hosting its 12th annual Project Connect on Wednesday at the Hargraves Community Center in Chapel Hill. Project Connect is a one-day event that connects those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness with a wealth of services that can help them find employment, healthcare and housing. […]
Corey Root Named Orange County's Next Housing and Community Development Director
The Orange County government recently selected Corey Root to serve as its next Housing and Community Development Director. Root has served as the coordinator for the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness since March of 2016 and will replace the outgoing Emila Sutton. In her previous job, Root partnered with local government elected officials, staff, […]
Orange County Partnership Serves Homeless Population Amid Pandemic
The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness, is working hard to provide critical resources for the homeless population amid the pandemic. The OCPEH is a coalition of service providers, local governments, and community members — a group working together towards the goal of ending homelessness in Orange County. The partnership has been around for 12 […]
Partnership to End Homelessness Continues Work in Orange County
The dire effects of unsheltered living on impoverished people are often ignored, but the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness is paying attention and taking action. Speaking in her capacity as the homeless program coordinator of the partnership, Corey Root briefed the Chapel Hill Town Council on vulnerability and other internal assessment criteria. “What we […]
Census Planned for Orange County Homeless Population
The Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness will conduct a census of the local homeless population on January 25. This census is part of the Point-in-Time count, which is administered once a year by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Corey Root, the homeless programs coordinator in Orange County, explained that the purpose […]
Community Education Forum Slated for Wednesday Night
Local elected officials are hosting a forum this evening, aiming to engage community members in dialogue about educational issues. Chapel Hill – Carrboro City Schools Board of Education member Rani Dasi and County Commissioner-elect Mark Marcoplos will moderate the discussion. It will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 Wednesday night at the Hargraves Center in […]
Orange County Working on New System to Help Homeless
How many people in Orange County are homeless as of this year? And, what is being done for those who experience homelessness? These were only a few questions discussed at the Homelessness Orientation at the Seymour Center Tuesday evening. The orientation was led by Corey Root. She’s the Homeless Programs Coordinator for Orange County. She […]
Orange County's "Project Connect" Seeks Your Help
Modeled after a national program, Project Connect helps hundreds of residents at risk of homelessness each year.
"Project Connect" Tackles Homelessness
Now in its eighth year, Project Connect is an annual event to provide needed services to at-risk residents.
Orange County: Capital Plan, Budget, Property Revaluation Outreach
Orange County Commissioner Sally Greene spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, April 23, discussing county news and events. She talked about the commissioners' recent work session in which they hear from County Manager Travis Myron on the 10-year capital  budget.
›